Gary Lee Hammon

Gary Lee Hammon passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024, in his home in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 92. He was born to Floyd David Hammon and Bessie Marie (Schatz) Hammon in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 2, 1932. He was the oldest of three, and was predeceased by his sister and brother, Roberta Ann (Hammon) Ward, and Robert (Bob) Starr Hammon.

Gary was married to Janice Lynn (Beeson) Hammon for 60 years until she passed in 2015. Gary and Janice had three children, Cheryl, David and Holly.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Johnston, and her husband, John; son, David Hammon and his wife, Lezli; daughter, Holly Hammon and her husband, Doug Barth; three grandchildren, Emily Hammon, Tyler Hammon and Davis Johnston. Beloved grandson, Gary Roy Flynn, who predeceased him in 2003.

Following military service and graduation from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Gary joined Haskins & Sells CPA firm. After three years, he and his family moved to Texas; he was always a Texan at heart. Gary’s foundation paved the way for a career that was as varied as it was impactful.

Gary began his career with The University of Texas System which lasted for the next 24 years. He served in various capacities at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, University of Texas at Austin and The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he served as Vice President of Business Affairs.

He left the UT System to accept an opportunity as General Manager of the PCI software division for Compucare, based in Reston, Virginia; a healthcare based software and consulting organization. Within a short period of time Compucare was acquired by Baxter Travenol and Gary served as Senior Vice President for Customer Service and Product Development, as well as a Regional Sales Manager.

After leaving Baxter he spent the next year as a General Manager with a consulting firm dedicated to higher education. He crossed paths with Superior Consulting Co., a growing healthcare consulting firm. He was offered the role of Project Manager for a software installation at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio; a project he truly enjoyed! After the project was successfully completed he was asked to take on the responsibility of interim CIO until a replacement could be found. During his 11-year career with Superior, he wore many hats; including that of Events Planning Manager for Education & Worklife - a position he held until he left the company in August 2000.

Gary continued higher education consulting for Campus Works, a Sarasota, Florida-based firm. He also performed high-level consulting for institutional executives for a short time.

During his career he authored and contributed to numerous articles and books on Healthcare IT and Healthcare Financial Management, as well as delivering presentations and speeches at many events. Gary was always seeking ways to share his knowledge. He loved the following quote by Dale Carnegie, “If you want to be enthusiastic, act enthusiastic.” He actually paraphrased it, “Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic!” He was continually striving to be valuable to his profession, colleagues and his family.

After 35 years in the healthcare and higher-education fields, he retired from Campus Works but he still had the desire to do something. Late one night over a bit of wine in his backyard with his daughter, Holly and her husband Doug; they convinced him to get his real estate license and join them in the business. Little did they know he would actually sign-up for classes the very next day, which was in 2001.

Gary, joined his daughter and son-in-law in real estate at Keller Williams. In addition to selling real estate, he played an active role in developing the technology department within the office by utilizing his background. He truly enjoyed his encore career in real estate. He retired at the age of 80, and received the Keller Williams Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012!

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary was a man who enjoyed the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or playing a round of golf, he found relaxation, contentment, and camaraderie with family and friends. These hobbies, combined with his love for military and historical fiction books, provided him with endless hours of pleasure.

Gary enjoyed being part of a church with his family, and singing Christian hymns. When they relocated to San Antonio they attended Trinity Baptist Church and then First Baptist Church. After retiring, he and Janice served at 4th Street Café, run by First Baptist Church, and they both delighted in their time there. Whenever Gary was out and someone asked what he did, he told them he was a busser; he relished his role in serving others. Once Janice was unable to attend church in-person, they watched First Baptist Church Sunday services on TV. After Janice passed he still continued watching First Baptist Church on Sunday’s. His faith brought him peace and comfort.

His daughter, Holly and son-in-law, Doug returned to San Antonio from out of state years ago; and they thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Gary and his wife Janice, eating out, shopping and taking trips. Holly had lovingly looked out for Janice in her later years, and after she was moved to memory care Holly spent time with her daily. Gary was fortunate to have Holly and Doug move in with him, and care for him the last several years. This provided a lot of comfort not only to Gary, but to his oldest daughter, Cheryl and son, David, who were thankful for their help.

Thank you to Dr. Bryan Kennedy, who the family thought the world of. He was Gary’s doctor for years, and did an amazing job of helping to manage his health while being extremely kind and respectful. The family appreciates the assistance and friendship of Wendy Gerrish, personal caregiver; who Gary adored. We also want to thank Christus VNA Hospice nurses and aides, who not only brought superb care, but friendship and knowledge as well.

We celebrate and honor the life of Gary Lee Hammon, we reflect on a man whose life was full of accomplishments, love, and laughter. Gary’s ability to weave a tale, his quick wit, and his generous spirit are fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We also will never forget the quote by Ernestine Ulmer that Gary loved to say, “Life’s uncertain, eat dessert first!”

A celebration of life will follow on November 9, 2024 at 1pm, at Porter Loring North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio TX. We are suggesting that guests wear camouflage or western wear in memory of Gary Hammon.

Memorial donations may be made to: Animal Defense League, and The Children’s Shelter.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”2 Timothy 4:7 NIV