The Shadow
Howard Revercomb Hammond, family genealogist, revered local historian and art educator passed away on December 3, 2021.
Mr. Hammond was born on February 22, 1940, in Covington, VA along with his identical twin brother, Charles Barnett Hammond Sr. to Frank Holloway Hammond, Jr. and Pauline Wills Revercomb Hammond.
A graduate of Covington High School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Bridgewater College in 1962, and later received his Master of Art Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He spent the majority of his career as an art educator in Greenville, South Carolina. Mr. Hammond was a devoted member of Buncombe Street UMC in Greenville, S.C., and more recently First Presbyterian Church in Covington.
A man of many varied talents, passions and accomplishments, family and friends will remember him fondly for being: a passionate family genealogist and local historian; a lifelong educator and champion of the arts; a talented artist, solo vocalist and theatre actor; a prolific photographer, documentarian, and writer; a family reunion organizer; an avid letter writer with beautiful handwriting (even while driving); a quick-witted jokester; a captivating storyteller; a devoted friend and family member; a man of great faith; and a true gentleman with a kind and generous spirit. Mr. Hammond always sought to impress upon people the importance of learning their family’s history and recording their stories while there is still an opportunity.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Charles Barnett Hammond Sr., brother, Frank H. Hammond, III and sister, Rebecca Deyerle Hammond Croft. He is survived by a sister-in-law, Karen Hammond, and the following nieces and nephews: Lisa Hammond, Charles Hammond, Jr. and wife Libby, Steven Hammond and wife Alison, Robert “Robin” Croft, Jr. and wife Cathy, Susan Croft Scott, Cameron Hammond Carlin and husband Tom, Gavin Willhide and wife Jessica, Brookfield Willhide, Curry Willhide Blanton and husband Brian, Wesley Hammond, and Scott Hammond.
In accordance with his wishes, his body has been cremated.
A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in Covington. The family will receive friends following the service. (Plans are being finalized. Please visit Mr. Hammond’s page on the Loving Funeral Home website for additional details.)
In keeping with Mr. Hammond’s love of local and family history, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to The Alleghany Historical Society P.O. Box 384 Covington, VA 24426 (please specify The Discovery Center) or the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society, 515 East Pine Street Covington, VA 24426.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com
