William “Bill” Arthur Hammond Jr., 89, of Fruitland Park, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 28, 2022.
Bill was born in Miami, FL to the late William Hammond Sr. and Elizabeth (Helton) Hammond on November 4, 1932.
After graduating high school in 1950, Bill immediately joined the Air Force as an active duty Firefighter until 1955. He served through the Korean War and continued his dedicated military service in the Security Police Unit with the Air Force Reserves, reaching the rank of Chief Master Sargent, before his military retirement.
Once his active duty was completed, Bill attended the Police Academy and became a Miami Police Officer, rising to Major within the force. It was during this time as a Police Officer that Bill met Betty, the love of his life, in 1955. They were married in 1956 and have been inseparable for 66 years. Bill lived his life to provide for, and protect, his family which grew to include his son, Glenn, and daughter, Wendi.
Upon his retirement from the Miami Police Department, Bill moved his family to Fruitland Park, FL, where he continued his life of service as a Lady Lake Police Officer. Never wanting to officially retire, Bill worked various security positions before taking his final job as a Courier for the Morse family in The Villages.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn “Betty” Hammond; his son, Glenn; his daughter, Wendi (spouse, Michele); his grand-daughter, Lena; grand-daughter, Ashley (spouse, Diego); in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
The Hammond family will be receiving guests on Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Page-Theus Funeral Home (914 W. Main St, Leesburg, FL), followed by a short memorial service.
Bill’s final resting place will be the National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s honor to the Fraternal Order of Police.”
