Robert Thomas (Tom) Hammond

Robert Thomas (Tom) Hammond passed on Thursday, May 21, 2026 in Elgin, South Carolina. He experienced a full and blessed life and enjoyed all those he met. You were fortunate if you got to hear one of his many stories or jokes. Tom was a man of great strength, selfless devotion, courage, and perseverance, with an undying love and pride for his family and his God. His smile was contagious and uplifting. Through the best and worst of times, Tom always wanted to make people laugh and smile as he showed his compassion for all that were fortunate to make his acquaintance. Tom was someone who listened and provided words of wisdom and knowledge from his own life journey.

He was born on June 1, 1943 in Decatur, Alabama to Robert E. Hammond and Dorothy Stephenson Hammond. A graduate of Decatur High School, he pursued his education at the University of Alabama where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at the University of Alabama, he completed his co-op work on the Saturn test rocket at the Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Later, Tom earned his Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Syracuse University.

Tom spent his professional life with IBM and Lockheed Martin where he participated in the development of the software for the Trident submarine, the British Royal Navy helicopter, the upgrade for the Spanish naval helicopter and a project on an Italian helicopter. He met his beloved wife, Carol, at Culpeper United Methodist Church, in an adult Sunday school class where he said that when he first saw her, he knew that she was the one! After they married in 1991, they went on to enjoy many adventures throughout the countries of Europe, Mediterranean and Asia. Tom and Carol lived in England, Spain and Italy where they made many special friends including, Patricia and Nigel Hobbs from Westbourne, England, who were traveling companions. Tom never knew he would become a “cat person” until till he met Carol and that is when Junior and Madison entered his life. His life was never the same as Junior would become “Tom’s cat” who even traveled to England with them.

After retirement, Tom was an active member of the Habitat for Humanity and Family Promise at the First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. After joining Shandon United Methodist Church, he became an active member of Family Promise and the Joy Sunday School Class. Tom and Carol facilitated the Joy Sunday School Class meeting during COVID virtually using Zoom each Sunday. He was a Rotarian with the Forest Acres Rotary Club. He especially enjoyed lunch with other retired men every Thursday.

As an Alabama graduate, Tom was a passionate, lifelong Alabama Fan especially during football season. He would never hesitate to tell you that the football team won 3 national championships when he was a student. You would find him decked out in his Alabama gear whether he was watching Alabama on TV or working out. Another passion was building his red Austin Healey 3000 kit car as he spent 500 hours putting his dream car together. It was great fun for him to sport around town in it as he listened to his favorite blue grass, country or rock & roll music. Tom also passed on his love of ice cream to his grandchildren as he never passed up the opportunity to take them to Dairy Queen or a local ice cream shop for a treat.

Tom’s faith in God and His son Jesus Christ was central to his daily life. He found his purpose was to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. His faith helped him to survive many of life’s physical challenges.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Hammond. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Carol Hammond, his children, Michael Hammond, Tim Hammond (Tammy), Melissa Oliver (Tina), and Bill Oliver. Grandchildren: Lauren, Devyn, George Thomas and Anna Maria and several great grandchildren. Tom is survived by his brother, Stephen Hammond (Shirley) and Vickie Hammond Rowden (Frank), sister & brother-in law, Eleanor and John Harper along with nieces Savanne Hammond, Jennifer Tartar, Marie Judkins, Casey Harper and nephew Jeff Rowden, and his current buddy, Monroe. Tom is also survived by his aunt, Effie Mae Hammond. He was blessed with many life-long friends from around the world.

The world could not have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Tom would say don’t cry for me but enjoy your life to the fullest, hug your loved ones, tell them that you love them, and love your God with all your heart. And in those immortal words of Tom, “Roll Tide!”

The service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held at 3 o’clock, Saturday, June 6th, at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St, Columbia, SC, with the Rev. C. E. "Smoke" Kanipe officiating. A reception for guests will immediately follow in Player Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Allen Scholarship at Shandon United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to take the time to say “Thank You” to the many friends, church family, neighbors that have shown their concern and love for Tom during the times when he needed them most.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.