George W Hammonds Jr.

George W. Hammonds, Jr. affectionately known as ‘O' Baby’, Georgie Porgy, or Big Daddy was born in Madison, Alabama to George W. Hammonds, Sr. and Clara Mae Betts-Hammonds on August 4, 1938. He was the 3rd of 6 children to this union. He spent his childhood and youth in Chattanooga, TN and ultimately completed his high school education at Howard High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After completion of high school, he relocated to Philadelphia, PA where he studied Interior Decorating and Painting. In 1969, George moved to Rockford, Illinois to be closer to his siblings.

While in Rockford, George met and married the love of his life, Elmira Crigler, on October 2, 1982. He would devote the last 39 years of his life as a proud, loving and caring husband to his soul mate, his sweetheart, whom he affectionately referred to as “Miraaaa”. They were the perfect pair sharing their love of church, family, and laughter together. Adding joy to that union were George’s four children: Cherie Jean, Eudoria, Angela and Christopher and eight grandchildren.

George lived a full life; he would often say he was “very blessed to have a job he truly enjoyed.” He loved putting his hands to work; he could fix, replace, install, or improve anything. He spent many years working for Twin Disc Manufacturing Corporation before following his dream of starting his own painting business. After retiring, he became a driver for Lifescape Adult Day Care, his co-workers referred to him as “Captain” because he took his job very seriously.

George was a friend to many and believed that everyone deserved time and attention. His quiet energy was steady and unrelenting. He greeted everyone with his signature smile and enjoyed laughing and sharing his invaluable wisdom. George had a gift of finding something unique in everyone.

George was a faithful member of United Faith Baptist Church serving as a Trustee for many years. He was also an avid fan of sports and loved the Dallas Cowboys, win, lose or draw, he was behind them all the way. Outside of sports, a good western or barbecuing on the deck is what struck his fancy.

George peacefully departed this life on April 8th, 2021, sitting in his favorite chair wearing his favorite Dallas Cowboys t-shirt. He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents (George and Clara Mae), brothers (Horace, John and Joe), and his sweet granddaughter (Jacqueline (Jacci) Cosby).

He will be an angel to his loving wife of 39 years Elmira, his aunt (Ethel Coleman), his siblings (Oliver Hammonds, Sr., and Lottie (Sylvester) Barnett), his children (Cherie McClain, Eudoria (Mario) Fultz, Angela Banks and Christopher Hammonds); his 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and lifelong friends.

George’s presence and unconditional love will be sincerely missed, but his rich legacy of smiling, serving the Lord and enjoying life will continue through those he loved.