William "Bill" Carl Hammontree

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Doris Jean King, daughter, Linda Joy Temple, brothers Shirley Edwin and Harold Wayne, and sister, Edith Ellen Summerhayes. He is survived by 3 children, David Hammontree (Kathy), Trena Ledford (Edward), and Joe Hammontree (Margaret), 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was devoted to his wife and family, and worked tirelessly to provide for them spiritually and physically. His later years were spent in selfless care for his wife.

Bill operated a lumber yard in Chattanooga for many years. He moved initially to Temple Terrace in 1952 and, after returning briefly to Chattanooga, moved to Temple Terrace permanently in 1964. He was employed by Florida College in a variety of roles including Business Manager and Director of Industries. In 1973, he purchased the wood reel manufacturing plants owned by Florida College and operated them until his passing.

Even after leaving the college employment in 1973, he and Doris Jean continued to work tirelessly in support of Florida College and the FC Academy. He served on the Board of Directors for 37 years and in that role gave untold amounts of time and resources to furthering its mission. Generations of students were influenced by Bill and Doris Jean, and their impact for good will be felt for years to come.

He was active in many areas of community service. He was part of the original Temple Terrace Volunteer Fire Department and served as Chief. He served on the Temple Terrace City Council for 22 years. He had a special love for Rotary International and was a member of the Tampa North club with 66 years of perfect attendance. He served in a multitude of roles for Rotary including Club President and District Governor.

But Bill’s first love was the Lord and he tried to shine the light of Christ in all his spheres of influence. He preached for over 40 years in various places around Chattanooga and later throughout the state of Florida. He was a faithful member of the Temple Terrace Church of Christ.

The funeral service will be Saturday, June 2, at the Temple Terrace Church of Christ located at 8001 Temple Terrace Highway in Temple Terrace. Visitation begins at 10 am and the service at 11:30 am. Internment will follow at the Sunset Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hammontree Student Benefit Fund at Florida College, 119 N. Glen Arven Avenue, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 or floridacollege.edu.