Oral Ray Hammonds

Ray Hammonds Herrin- Oral Ray Hammonds, age 88 and four months, of Herrin, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus, at 4:30am on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Helia of West Frankfort.  Ray had been a Christian for about fifty-nine years and was anxious to meet the Lord. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 1, 1929, Ray was the first born child of Oral Angus and Cleoria Viola (Wrozier) Hammonds.  He was raised in Southern Illinois and attended Chittyville School. Ray was a Korean War Army Veteran. While living in Indianapolis, Ray worked for Chrysler Corp, both Cadillac dealers as a mechanic, Crown Laundry, Indianapolis School Board, Freightliner Corp, and several other factories.  He was very active in church, at one time or another holding down almost every position except Pastor. He loved “puttering” in his shed, making things with wood and refinishing furniture. He also loved motorcycles. His two favorites were Harley Davidsons. He enjoyed getting out and riding on them as much as possible. Ray was a kind and gentle man who loved to help people out when he could. Ray was a good husband, father, and grandfather. Ray was the oldest of seven children. His others siblings were Clifton Garrett Hammonds (Deceased), Delmar Lavern Hammonds (Deceased), Ronald Dean Hammonds (Deceased), Don Allen Hammonds (Deceased), Wanda Helen Hammonds, and Dewey Glen Hammonds. Ray met his wife of fifty-seven and a half years, Hariette Angel, in Indianapolis. They married at the church they attended, First Free Christian Church, on August 21, 1960.  From this union, they had one child, Wendy Rae Hammonds-Mitchell and three grandchildren; Tiffany Dawn, Elizabeth Nacole, and Chase Edward. In addition, Ray had three children from a previous marriage; April Elaine and Roger Provencal, Kathy Jean and Randy Isley, and Alan Ray and Pandora Fracis. Four grandchildren; Jason, Nicole, Kimberly (Deceased), and Patricia; Five great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Spillertown Baptist Church in Marion with Rev. Don Colson officiating.  Burial will follow at Hurricane Cemetery.  Military honors will be provided at graveside.  Visitation will be held from 11-1pm on Tuesday at Spillertown Baptist Church. Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is assisting the family with final arrangements. For more information, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.