It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Frederick “Rick” Clayton Hammond on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Rick was a true son of Mathews County. Proud to be born and raised in Mathews Court House, Rick would gladly share his love of Mathews County with anyone he met. The son of a Sea Captain and a Teacher turned School Superintendent, he was a natural and charismatic leader. He attended Mathews High School, where he was affectionately known as Plug to his football teammates and classmates. He went on to graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University and serve in the Army Reserve. Post college he began his career in Human Resources and married the love of his life, Betty. 
Rick was a devoted husband and father. Not just to his wife and children, but also to his many dogs, most especially his constant companion, Mr. Oakley. A founding executive at Canon Virginia, Rick took enormous pride not just in his own professional accomplishments but more importantly in the fact that he was able to gainfully employ so many people from his own community. His Canon family meant the world to him. 

And while he may have worn a suit and tie during the day, his true passions were always outdoors. He inherited his green thumb from his father and like his father, the products of his gardens were unrivaled. Many would drive for miles for his corn, tomatoes and watermelons. He loved sports and shared that passion with his family by coaching his children’s sports teams, most notably a three-year undefeated run as a softball coach. Rick was also a consummate sportsman and was never to be bothered during hunting seasons. He taught his children to respect and appreciate nature. He was never happier than hunting with his son or fishing with his daughter. 

Later in life as his health began to decline, Rick focused his energies on two things: giving back to his community and bluegrass music. On the top of that list was serving his church, Bethel Methodist Church of Mathews. Rick served many roles, including Chairman of the Trustees and the Men’s Sunday School teacher. He also took great joy in spending time with his high school classmates. His Class of ’64 Reunion Meetings were legendary and the highlight of his month. And as for bluegrass music, we have no doubt that his favorite song, “Uncle Pen,” was playing as he entered the pearly gates.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Hammond; his mother, Juanita Hammond; and his wife, Betty Chapman Hammond. 

He is survived by his son, Clay Hammond (Tiffany); his daughter, Jill Hammond; his sister, Roz Hammond; his brother, Edward Hammond (Joan); his sister-in-law, Earlene Miller (C.W.), and a loving extended family of people and animals that made his life complete. 

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 7 at Bethel Methodist Church, Mathews. 
In lieu of flowers we ask you to consider donating to Bethel Methodist Church of Mathews, c/o Nancy Rowe, P.O. Box 1104, Mathews, Va. 23109.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Va., is assisting the family.