Rotary Program: 3/3/04

Program Chairperson: Carrie Cinnamond

Speaker(s): Carrie Cinnamond, Joe Dean Anderson, Bob Ford, Mickey Anders and Morgan Chapman

Today’s program was dedicated to the memory of Ray Hammond, who passed away on Dec. 22, 2003 in Hermitage, Tennessee at the age of 82. Ray was born at Gauge, Kentucky, went to West Liberty High School, and was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942 where he serveded as a radar operator in the Pacific Theater of W.W. II. He was awarded five Bronze Stars for his service during the war. He was married for 53 years to Clemma Lewis Hammond who preceded him in death in 1999. He came to Pikeville in 1948 where he ran the Local Finance Company until his retirement. He was an active member of Rotary in Ohio and joined the Pikeville Club shortly after making his home here serving Rotary for a total of 53 years. He served as President and Secretary of the Pikeville club and was the editor of The Rotator, our local newsletter for which he won many awards. He also was awarded the distinction of being Rotarian of the Year on several occasions and served on just about every committee and project that he could. Ray also served on the Board of Directors of the Lonesome Pine Council, Boy Scouts of America. He is survived by one son, Dr. Phillip Ray Hammond, who is an orthodontist in Tennessee, his daughter-n-law, Lucinda and a grandson Ian Wesley Hammond. Ray was buried in Jackson, Kentucky.

Carrie Cinnamond came to the podium to share her memories of Ray, describing him as a Rotarian extra-ordinaire. She talked about his dedication and how he was able to guide 20 presidents and three district governors during his tenure as a Rotarian. He was careful that all activities and procedures were done according to the rules of Rotary and did not fail to point out when things did not follow that order. Then Bob Ford read a poem that he had composed that wonderfully described all the ways that Ray contributed to his club and to his community. Repeating the phrase “I can vividly see him now”, the verses gave tribute to this Rotarian who truly lived out the creed, “Service Above Self.” At this point, Joe Dean Anderson shared his memories of serving with Ray in the Rotary Club. As a past-president of the club, Joe Dean remarked that having Ray to help guide him made his tenure as president much easier. He shared a story of how Ray, as a member of the Rotary Club in Ohio, had been trying to recruit a member of his community who turned out to be Dean Martin. Sure enough, he finally found him and they went to the meeting together. Joe emphasized the need that we all remember Ray and never forget him and what he has contributed to our club. Next, Micky Anders pointed out that he appreciated the Rotator each week and especially the part that was named for Ray Hammond, “Ray’s Ribs” This humorous section is a highlight for most Rotarians each week and one that Mickey says he looks forward to. He also read a familiar poem about the dash between the dates of our birth and our death inscribed on many tombstones. He said that it is evident that the space between the dates of Ray Hammond’s life was well spent and an inspiration to us all. To close the program, Morgan Chapman sang a song entitled, “When It’s My Turn”. Everyone present seemed to agree that Ray’s memory in the Pikeville Rotary Club should be a lasting one.

Submitted by J. Morgan Chapman