Retired 'deputy' Eddie Hammond was talented drummer and cook

Linda Florea | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted November 6, 2005

YALAHA -- Something was usually cooking in the kitchen of Edward F. Hammond Jr. -- chicken cacciatore, garlic roasted leg of lamb, Key lime pies made from his backyard tree -- and whatever it was, it was good. "His passion was cooking -- he was always creating something new and different," said Lois Hammond, his wife of 26 years. "He might take a basic recipe and improve it and sometimes just put things together."

Hammond died Oct. 29 of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 72. He was born in Oxford, Pa., and his family moved to Miami in 1936, when his father was offered a job working with aluminum windows.

At 4, he started playing drums, something he had a talent for, his wife said. When he was 5, he played at an exhibition for the American Legion convention. He also played in school band competitions. He received superior ratings in solo drum contests, Lois Hammond said. His enjoyment of and skill with drums stayed with him his entire life. He even played conga drums with a band while visiting St. Croix with his wife.

In 1955, Hammond began working for Dade County. He spent 16 years as a deputy sheriff and 14 years in security for Miami International Airport and the Dade County Aviation Authority, eventually becoming chief of security and safety.

Over the years, Hammond met dignitaries such as President John F. Kennedy and Prince Charles. He built a relationship with Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula and helped escort players through the airport.

Hammond also was a volunteer announcer for the Hialeah Speedway and sometimes dropped the flag to start a race. He came to know stock-car and NASCAR drivers Bobby and Donnie Allison from their days at the speedway.

Hammond tried his hand at a number of sports, including roller skating and competitive water skiing.
"He was very athletic. He could do anything he set his mind to, and he was one of those people who could do it well," Lois Hammond said.

Hammond retired in 1985 and moved to Yalaha. He worked for several years at Clerbrook RV Resort, first as a ranger and later as the front-office supervisor.

"Eddie also loved a good joke and had an incredible memory for jokes," Lois Hammond said. "He and his son could sit for hours and tell jokes -- each joke reminding the other of another joke."

In addition to his wife, Hammond is survived by a son, Edward F. Hammond III of Palm Harbor; a sister, Clara Zepernick of Mary Esther; a brother, Robert J. Hammond of Lady Lake; and three grandsons.

Page-Theus Funeral Home in Leesburg is handling the arrangements.

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Obituary
From the Orlando Sentinel, October 30, 2005

Edward F. Hammond Jr.

HAMMOND JR., EDWARD F., age 72, of Yalaha, FL, died Saturday, October 29, 2005 in The Villages Hospice House.

Mr. Hammond was born in Oxford, PA. His family moved to Miami in 1936 returning to Oxford in 1939 and permanently moved to Miami in 1941 where he lived until he moved to Yalaha upon retiring in 1985. He had served Dade County for 30 years before retiring, first as a Deputy Sheriff for 16 years at which time he was promoted serving his last 14 years as Chief of Security for the Miami International Airport and the Dade County Aviation Authority.

Mr. Hammond had served in the National Guard; was a member of the Greater Miami Water-ski Association since the late 1950's; he was a volunteer announcer for the Hialeah Speedway for many years; began a lifetime hobby as a drummer at the age of 4, having a band he competed in many area's including Washington, DC and even traveled to Cuba in competition. His passion was cooking especially after his retirement in 1985.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; his son and daughter-in-law, Edward F. Hammond, III and Valerie of Palm Harbor; grandsons, Christopher, Nicholas and Kyle all of Palm Harbor; sister, Clara Zepernick of Mary Esther, FL; brother, Robert J. Hammond of Lady Lake and a nephew, Robert J. Hammond, Jr. A memorial service for Mr. Hammond will be held 11AM, Wednesday, November 2, 2005, in the Page-Theus Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Alan Holden officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, Suite 201, 1332 N. Halstead St., Chicago, IL, 60622. Arrangements are under the care of Page-Theus Funeral Home, 914 W. Main St. Leesburg, FL, 34748.