Larry Wayne Hammer

Larry Wayne Hammer

1937-2024

Larry Wayne was born September 22. 1937 in Mt. Vernon, MO and passed away on December 24, 2024 at Lawrenceville Rehabilitation and Health, after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ones and Margaret Hammer, his brother, Jerry Hammer, and his second wife, Helen.

Larry grew up mostly in Amelia County, where his father ran Bircherd Dairy, in the courthouse area. He excelled at any sport, especially basketball, and ended up at Hampton-Sydney College, playing basketball, baseball, and running track. He earned his bachelor’s and began his career as Assistant Basketball Coach/ History Teacher in Colonial Heights in the early 60s. He then became Head Basketball Coach/History Teacher at Dinwiddie County High School, then on to New Kent County High School as Assistant Principal/Basketball Coach.

In the mid 70s, he decided to switch careers, and accepted a position at VEPCO (Dominion) until 1980. He then moved to Steamboat Springs, CO and worked for B & K Distributing. Upon moving back to VA in 1986, he became an inspector for VDOT, from which he retired in 2006.

In 2002, he finally remarried to a fellow VDOT colleague, our beloved, Helen! They moved to a very rural area of Mecklenburg County, not far from Lake Gaston, where they enjoyed the lake, golfing, and the wildlife for many years. They also traveled to Europe on several occasions, until Helen became ill. He took care of Helen until her passing in 2021. Losing the love of his life took a toll on Larry’s health, and he passed on Christmas Eve of 2024.

Larry excelled in, and loved all sports. He was also an outdoorsman that loved and respected nature. Being a natural at photography, Larry captured beautiful scenery with his camera, that he carried with him at all times. He used this experience and knowledge to patiently teach his children and grandchildren how to play any sport and to appreciate the outdoors. He always had fun outdoor activities planned during every visit. We will miss him sorely, but have great memories of our times together!

He is survived by two daughters and two grandsons: “Margie” Margaret Anne Mills (Bobby), “Betsy” Kathryn Elizabeth Korb (Dave), “Alex” Russell Alexander Korb, and “Sam” Samuel David Korb.