Wayne B. Hammons, loving husband, father and grandfather, age 79, of Etowah, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 26, 2010 at his residence after a long illness. A son of the late R.B. and Minnie Hammons, he was born January 5, 1931 in Polk County, and spent the last 47 years living in McMinn County. In his younger days, he enjoyed organizing and coaching various sports programs in the community and also served on the Etowah School Board. He enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was of the Baptist faith, and was a member of North Etowah Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Air Force out of high school. He returned to the community where he started up and operated numerous plants, and ran them as the plant manager. He retired from plant operator to enjoy retirement. He was preceded in death by one brother, Frank Hammons; and one sister-in-law, Gladys Hammons. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Florine Hammons of Etowah; three sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Cathy Hammons of Knoxville, Gary and Wilma Hammons of Kentucky, and Mike and Teresa Hammons of Benton; one daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Mike Ward of Etowah; two brothers, Casey Hammons of Cleveland, and Abie Hammons of Benton; and seven grandchildren, Gary Hammons, Crystal Cardin, Michael Hammons, Alex Hammons, Angel Hammons, Tyler Ward and Bradley Ward. Funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2010 in the South Chapel with the Rev. Benny Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday prior to the service.

Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 2nd and proceed to Reliance Cemetery for the 11 a.m. committal service.