Elmer Ray Hammond

Elmer Ray Hammond, 90, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Elmer was born on January 26, 1926 in Traverse City to the late Ray and Ina (Davis) Hammond. He married the late Julia L. Dingman on November 2, 1946 also in Traverse City. Together they raised two children, Charyl and David.

Honorably Elmer served our Country as an aerial gunner in the United States Army during WWII. He was a corporal in the Red Raiders completing 17 missions and served in 8 campaigns.

Elmer worked for Taylor and Johnson Clark Printers for many years. During his retirement he was employed part time in Port St. Lucie Florida at Agler's Tile and Carpet. Elmer was a lifetime member of the Cherryland VFW Post 2780. Also, he was a dedicated member of Pinegrove Church of God joining in 1994. He was a significant member of the Traveling Ministry Team and was a member of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry Team.

During his younger years Elmer enjoyed racing boats. In his spare time he loved to bear hunt, deer hunt, fish, garden, golf, and bird watch. Also, Elmer was an avid fan and liked to watch and support Detroit Tigers Baseball. And proudly he loved and raised many packs of Bluetick Hounds.

Fondly, Elmer will be remembered for his sense of humor, his devotion to prayer and his belief in God. He truly lived and believed: "I can do all things by God."

Surviving Elmer are his children, Charyl "Sherry" (Dan) White and David (Evelyn "Jo") Hammond; grandchildren, Jonathan Ransom, Darcy (Victor) Clark, Jeffrey Ransom, Christina (Bryan) Weir, Lisa Hammond; 9 great grandchildren, a sister Joyce (Jay) Allen; his beloved dog Ebony and many other loving family members and friends.

Elmer is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Julia in 2002, 3 sons in infancy; siblings, Elgin and Richard Hammond, Esther Hammond, Luella (James) Flanagan, and Viola (Clifford) Secor.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Pinegrove Church of God, 790 Indian Trail Blvd, Traverse City, MI 49686 with a visitation one hour prior. Apostle Marc Hoard will officiate. Burial will take place at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice House in Traverse City or to Pinegrove Church of God. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Elmer's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.