Rev. David S. Hammond Sr.

Our very own Reverend David S. Hammond Sr., (78), went to his heavenly reward, Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Funeral services will be held, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, Dr. Kenneth R. Hammond, eulogist. Burial in Homestead Memorial Gardens. Reverend Dr. David S. Hammond, Sr. was born on July 26, 1942 in Winterville, N.C to the late Rev. Hoyt Hammond and Mother Mary Hammond. He gained his Heavenly reward on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at the MacGregor Downs Health and Rehabilitation Center. He graduated from W. H. Robinson High School in Winterville, NC in 1960. He began his career in radio in 1963, playing soul music at the WOOW-1340 AM radio station. He became a well-known radio personality Known as “Dynamic Dave” in Eastern NC. He also worked as a Physical Education instructor at G. R. Whitfield School in Grimesland, NC. He entered into holy matrimony in September 1964, to the late Peggy Rose Hardy. As a young man, David was enamored with funeral service, admiring them “dressed in fine suits and driving fine cars”. At the age of 15 he was offered the opportunity to work with Mr. Walter E. Flanagan. He dedicated his entire life’s work to funeral service at W. E. Flanagan Funeral Home, serving bereaved families with excellence for nearly 50 years, later becoming the owner in 1996. He retired a decade later, leaving the management and operation of the funeral home to his eldest daughter, Esther Lynette, to continue his legacy. Reverend Hammond was licensed to preach the gospel at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in 1971 by Rev. W. B. Moore. He attended Shaw University Divinity School in Raleigh, NC, Virginia Union School of Religion in Richmond, VA. He also attended the Hampton University Pastor’s Conference for ministerial training annually for over 25 years. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY awarded Rev. Hammond an Honorary Doctorate degree in 1989. Rev. Hammond was raised in a loving, Christian family with his siblings. He and his three brothers followed in the Baptist upbringing of their father, the late Rev. Hoyt Hammond, all becoming gifted pastors and preachers. Rev. Hammond traveled as an Evangelist, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in more than 26 states throughout the country. He pastored over 38 years at several churches in Craven, Lenoir, Washington, Pasquotank, Northampton and Pitt counties. including; First Baptist Church, New Bern, NC, Craven Corner Missionary Baptist Church, Havelock, NC, Philippi Missionary Baptist Church, Simpson, NC, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, La Grange, NC, Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Elizabeth City, NC and Riddick Chapel in Bethel, NC. He also pastored the Shiloh Baptist Church in Boykin, VA. He became a member of the Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Greenville, NC in his final years. Rev. Hammond loved singing, worshipping and preaching, always sharing an encouraging “Word” to anyone he encountered. Rev. Hammond was a devout mentor to young ministers, helping them prepare sermons and pastor local churches. In his later years he was an honorary member of Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, NC. Rev. Hammond led and served in numerous organizations/committees: National Association of Black County Officials, N.C. Association of Counties, Magnificent Men of Troas-Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention (at-large Director), N.C. Human Relations Council, Black Pastor’s Conference of Pitt County (Founding Member), Old Eastern, Bear Creek, Roanoke and Neuse River Associations (Executive Boards), N.C. General Baptist State Convention (Political Action Committee), N.C. Democratic Party (Executive Board), Pitt County Development Commission (two terms), Global Transpark Committee (Chairman), Pitt County Mental Health Board, Advisory Council on Religious Affairs (Governor Jim Hunt), NAACP, SCLC, MT. Hermon Masonic Lodge #35 , The Odd Fellows, and The Order Of The Eastern Star. Dr. Hammond diligently served the community, as an avid champion of racial injustice and social inequality for the poor and underserved. He was elected in 1998 as a Pitt County Commissioner in District 1, serving as both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board. He served five terms consecutively and was the longest serving African- American County Commissioner in Pitt County. Rev. Hammond was re-elected twice after suffering a stroke in 2010, however later resigned from the Board in April of 2017. Dr. Hammond cherished his family and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Peggy R. Hardy-Hammond, two sisters, Rosetta and Hazel Hammond, and two brothers, Harvey and Rev. Chester Hammond. Rev. Hammond, was a boisterous man, with a “larger than life” personality. He was outspoken, with a great sense of humor and never met a stranger. Rev. Hammond was the true epitome of “David” , a man after God’s own heart, devoting his life to preaching the Word of God and humbly and generously serving the needs of others. His Godly wisdom inspired many and he will be forever revered by all who had the honor to graciously know and love him. Rev. Hammond leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters, Esther L. Hammond and Elizabeth Sheree Slade (Kim Lamar), both of Greenville, N.C. and Jill Rochelle Hammond of Fulton, MD, two sons, David Sherrod Hammond Jr. of Huntersville, N.C. ,and James Freeman of Greenville, NC, two sisters, Esther Robbins (Ben) of Pocomoke City, MD, Margaret Hammond-Jackson (Donald) of Waveland, MS, two brothers, Rev. Henry Hammond of Atlanta, GA and Dr. Kenneth R. Hammond (Evelyn) of Durham, NC, five sisters-in-law, Annette Hammond of Elba, AL, LaForrest Hammond of Winterville, NC, Fannie Ruth Ruffin of Takoma Park, MD, Hattie Williams (Curtis) of Greenville, NC, and Dorothy “Dot” Hardy of Goldsboro, N.C., eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, special adopted children Mesha Lawrence and Virginia Ann Woods, and adopted son, Clifton Woods, all of Greenville, NC. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. A walk-through viewing will be held 2-6 p.m., Friday, November 27, 2020 at the church. A wake will be held 6-7 p.m. Friday at the church. Viewing Saturday one hour prior to the service. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all services are by invitation only. Masks, social distancing practices and all Covid-19 directives issued by Govenor Roy Cooper, will be strictly enforced for all services. All services will be Livestream on the following social media platforms; W.E. Flanagan Memorial Facebook page, Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church Facebook page, Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church YouTube page.

Rev. David S. Hammond Sr.

July 26, 1942 - November 17, 2020