Jesse Andrew "Andy" Hammond

Jesse Andrew (Andy) Hammond, 79 passed away on October 5, 2026 peacefully surrounded by his family.

Andy was born in New Bern, NC to Ruby and Jesse Andrew (Jack) Hammond who preceded him in death along with his two sisters, Martha Jane Gartman and Jackie Badger.

He attended James Madison University and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. Through the years he always loved keeping up with his fraternity brothers and attending their reunions.

He then attended and graduated from NC Wesleyan College, where he met Kathy, his wife to be.

Upon graduation in 1971 he proudly entered the USMC, entering the flight program in Pensacola, FL.

Andy and Kathy married in 1973, and he was then stationed in Quantico, Va, 29 Palms, CA. and Cherry Point, NC.

In 1974 Andy got out of the USMC and they moved to Marion, OH working in Human Resources with Quaker Oats Co, then in 1976 the family moved to Pascagoula/Gautier, MS.

He and Kathy started their family in Gautier and had 11 amazing years living on the coast and made wonderful forever friends.

Then in 1988, the family moved to Decatur, AL and have always loved being part of the community and calling Decatur home.

Andy was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, United Way and SHRM board. He loved singing in the choir, working with the youth at Wesley and the summer Mission trips to W VA.

Andy had many hobbies that his boys, Chris and Sam, always enjoyed doing with him. Anything outdoors like quail hunting, pheasant hunting in SD, horseback riding, training and having dogs, boating and deep-sea fishing. Andy also passed on his funny sense of humor to the boys-always telling a corny joke.

Andy came from a musical family, and he loved to sing, write songs and play his guitar. He especially loved playing guitar for the Contemporary Service at Wesley

Methodist. His music enabled him to do music for over 15 Emmaus Walks in North Alabama. This was one of his favorite things to do-he loved singing and telling of God’s love.

Andy was very active in scouting and in 1966 achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His wife, Kathy, always said that he lived his life trusting and wanting to help people and live his life as an Eagle Scout.

Andy is survived by his wife, Kathy of 53 years; sons, Chris (Angela) and Sam (Kandice); 3 grandchildren Collin, Ruby and Charlee and many extended family members. He loved his family so much, they were everything to him and always brought him joy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.

Visitation will be held at Peck Funeral home in Hartselle on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 in the Peck Chapel.

Peck Funeral Home

1600 Hwy 31 SW

P.O. Box 427

Hartselle, AL 35640

256.773.2541

256.773.2543 (Fax)