Donald Edwin Hammes

Don was born on November 11, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA and peacefully went to be with the Lord on April 29, 2021 in Florence, SC. He was elected president of his high school student association before attending and graduating from Temple University.Upon graduation, Don joined the U. S. Navy, became a Chief Petty Officer and then served on a destroyer in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.When he left active duty, he began his professional career as an industrial engineer in manufacturing where he met and married the love of his life, BJ. Don had an interesting and varied career with assignments spanning 8 states and Puerto Rico.During his career, Don served as Chairman of the Industrial Relations Committee of the Florence Chamber of Commerce and earned life member status in the Institute of Industrial Engineers.After retiring from Unilever in 1993 as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, he went on to consult at S&W Manufacturing until 2014. Don’s hobbies included both tennis and golf.A highlight was a golf trip to Scotland to play several world-famous courses including “The Old Course” at St. Andrew’s. Don enjoyed many memorable vacations with family and friends at his condo in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. He derived great joy in serving the Lord at Highland Park UMC where he assumed a variety of leadership roles: Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and Finance and Pastor Parish Relations Committees. Don is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, BJ; two sons, Paul Hammes and wife, Lynda, of Kingsport, TN; Steven Hammes and wife, Emily, of Anderson, SC; three grandsons, Brandon Hammes, Jett Hammes, and Zane Hammes; granddaughter, Emily Hammes; and great granddaughter, Caraline Hammes. Visitation with family and friends will be held Sunday, May 2 at 1:00 PM at Highland Park UMC, Florence, SC followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM.Due to Covid-19, social distancing is requested.Burial will be on Monday, May 3 at 11:00 AM at Florence National Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in honor of Don to Highland Park UMC, 1300 2nd Loop Road, Florence, SC 29505.