God, Family, and Country are a few things that define Paul’s life of service.
Born on August 1, 1941, to Jeanette Olivette Roberts in Atlanta, Georgia, Paul was the oldest of six - 3 sisters and 2 brothers. At an early age, Paul helped his parents and siblings by getting a job to assist the family. He graduated from Chamblee high school in 1959 before enlisting in the Air Force to serve his country. In 1962, as Airman First Class, he was assigned to the U.S. Air Base near Chaumont, France. There, Paul met Marie-Josephe Corroy. On July 4, 1963, they were married at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church in Chaumont. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary last July 4th.
Discharged in 1965, SSgt. Paul and Marie-Jo started their family while he attended and graduated from East Texas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. During those years in Texas, Paul founded the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department, which still exists today.
In 1971, Paul began his professional career in hospital sales, and later retired after 32 years, from Baxter Healthcare. During his career, Paul simultaneously served as a 3rd Degree in the Knights of Columbus - volunteering for pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, tootsie roll drives and much more. Paul also taught PRE religion classes to children on Wednesday nights.
In retirement, Paul continued his life of service at the Collierville Fire Department by teaching fire safety to 900+ school children. He volunteered at the West Tennessee Veterans cemetery for the last 10+ years, helping to organize Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations. Paul continued to participate in the Knights of Columbus, most recently serving in Council 1432 in Somerville, TN as an advocate for Right For Life. There, the Knights awarded Paul for 50 years of service.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother Jeanette Hasty; father James Hasty; brother Jimmy Hasty; sister Renee Vaughn; and brother Bobby Hammond.
He is survived by his wife Marie-Josephe Hammond; son James Hammond Jr. and wife Gina; son Rick Hammond and wife Jennifer; son Mark Hammond and wife Andrea; niece Christiane Raimondi; sister Shirley Cunningham; sister Pat Murphy; grandchildren Megan Hammond, Kelly Hammond, Ashley Hammond Yzaguirre, James Matthew Hammond, Laura Hammond, Andrew Hammond; and many other extended relatives.
These words only begin to describe Paul’s life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. Everyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with Paul was better for knowing him. God, Family, and Country. A beautiful life of service.
Visitation will be held January 25th at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue from 6 PM to 8 PM. Rosary will begin at 7:30 PM.
On January 26th, Rosary will be at 10:30 AM and Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM at St Therese-Little Flower Catholic Church, 1644 Jackson Avenue and will include the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. Committal will follow at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd. with full military honors.
The family asks that any donations can be made to Birthright of Memphis (https://www.birthright.org/Memphis).
