CDR John Wesley Hammock, Sr. USN (ret), age 81, passed away October 2, 2011 at Piney Forest Health Care Center. He was born December 10, 1929 to the late John L. and Evie Smiley Hammock. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1952 with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Management. He joined the U. S. Navy via Officers Candidate School and graduated from Flight School in 1954. He obtained a Masters Degree in Meteorology from U. S. Navy Post Graduate School in 1960. His impressive 20-year military career as an officer involved flying into and tracking typhoons, anti-submarine warfare, aircraft maintenance, and critical meteorological reporting - his expertise saved countless lives and expense for the military. Some of his flight missions were connected with programs involving South Pacific Nuclear Testing and Project Practice Nine during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy in 1973 and began a successful consulting business, T-Systems, Inc., in Crystal City (Arlington), VA. His business supported the Navy in the fleet's ballistic missiles program called TACAMO and assisted the Naval Air Systems Command in the purchsae of electronic warfare equipment. In 1989, he sold the business and moved back to Danville with his wife Elaine, where he became involved in helping numerous family members with household projects providing assistance in every way possible.
Mr. Hammock is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elaine Nolen Hammock of the residence, and two sons, John Wesley Hammock, Jr. and Brent Kenneth Hammock. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hammock was predeceased by three sisters, Emma Hall, Audrey Slade, and Pat Dodd, and one brother, William Raleigh Hammock.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Floral Hills Memory Gardens with the Rev. Kenneth Barnes officiating. Military Honors will be given by the American Legion Dan River Post 1097 Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at Barker Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Barker Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Hammock family. Sign the guestbook at www.swicegoodbarker.com, www.facebook.com/swicegoodbarker, and www.godanriver.com.