Gregory Richard "Ricky" Hammond, Sr., 74, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Hospice of South Georgia.

A native of Wayne County, Ricky was born on July 6, 1951, and spent most of his life in Jesup. A man of faith, he loved studying his Bible, and was a member of Jesup Christian Fellowship for a number of years. Ricky retired from Rayonier as a chip tester after many years of dedicated service. He was an avid sports lover and a devoted fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. In his younger years, he enjoyed coaching his sons' Little League baseball teams, fishing, and golfing. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his family. He loved laughing with his grandchildren, playing with his grandpup, Walker, and relaxing in his recliner with a bowl of popcorn.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Westberry Hammond; maternal grandparents, A. Lonzo and Mabelle Westberry; and sister, Diane Overstreet.

Ricky leaves behind his two sons, sidekicks, and best buddies, Gregory Richard "Greg" Hammond, Jr. (Denice) and Jason Hammond, both of Jesup (Mother, Sandra Hammond); sister, Darlene Antley (Bill) of Port St. Joe, Florida;  grandchildren, Gabbie Hammond of Jesup, Chandler Legget (Megan) of Middleburg, Florida, and Kalyn Legget of Middleburg, Florida; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Howard & Jones Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice of South Georgia for the compassionate care and support provided to Ricky and his family during his final days.