Obituary for
William Ray Hammitt Sr.
William Ray Hammitt, Sr., 71, of Nixa, Missouri, transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 16th, 2017. He slipped away peacefully surrounded by loving friends and family, singing him home as he took his final breath. While there is tremendous sorrow in his loss there is greater joy in his gain.
Bill Hammitt, Sr. was born and raised in the small farming community of Pittsfield, Illinois. With farm-life and hard work woven into his inner being, you would be hard pressed to find a more passionate and hard working individual. Shortly after meeting his beautiful bride, Patricia D. (Brown) Hammitt, he spent the large portion of his working life as a successful Agricultural Lender with Farm Credit Services. While his career and work endeavors were important, they most certainly did not define who he was.
Matthew 22:37–40 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Bill, though gifted in so many ways, was the best at the Greatest Command. Love God and Love others. He had a gift to see those in need, to identify those in the margins, and to treat others as the guest of honor. Bill was a friend to those who had none and a support to those who needed lifting. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Bill was a coach, counselor, comedian, peacemaker and a child of God.
He was preceded in death by his Father, Robert L. Hammitt, Sr.
Bill is survived by his wife Patti, his Mother, Lura M. Hammitt of Pittsfield, Illinois, his son, William Ray Hammitt, Jr. (wife Onetta), his daughter, Michelle Hammitt Ramsey, his daughter, Amie Hammitt Kendrick (Husband Quay), his son Benjamin Hammitt (wife Julie), all of Nixa, MO; his siblings: Robert L. Hammitt, Jr, Judy (Hammitt) Warpula, John Patterson, Janice (Hammitt) Brokaw, Larry Wigington, Jeffrey Hammitt, Sr., Julie E. Hammitt, Angela (Hammitt) Bolick and Grandchildren: William “Bryce” Hammitt, Braden Hammitt, Seth Hammitt, Mackenzie Kendrick, William “Blake” Ramsey, Hayden Wofford, Marissa Kendrick, Casen Ray Hammitt, Madi Wofford, Kinley Hammitt, William “Cale” Hammitt, and Isaiah Sommers.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25th, 2017 at the East Sunshine Church of Christ, 3721 E. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65809, from 12:30-2pm, with a celebration memorial to follow. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gathering Tree – Memo: Eden Village, PO Box 2364, Springfield, MO 65801 or through PayPal online at www.gatheringtree.org You may also choose to donate to the East Sunshine Church of Christ - Memo: Celebrate Recovery Ministry. Online condolences may be made at www.klingner-rivermonte.com
