Ryan Thomas Hammack

Ryan Thomas Hammack was born to Leon Hammack and Joyce Martin Hammack on December 13, 1977 in Shreveport, La. On Saturday, July 27, 2013, Ryan went home to be with his Heavenly Father, following complications of diabetes and long term illness. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Joy Bernice Martin; maternal grandfather, James Green Wall; paternal grandmother, Lessie Cox Hammack; and paternal grandfather, Thomas C. Hammack. In addition to his parents, Ryan is survived by his daughters, Samantha Joy Hammack and Katelyn Grae Hammack, both of Shreveport; his sister, Tara Hammack of Fort Lauderdale, Fl.; his fiancée, Traci Young, of Shreveport; an Uncle, Carroll Hammack, and wife Barbara of Graceville, FL.; as well as numerous cousins and other relatives. From early childhood Ryan never met a stranger, enjoyed people and sharing his big heart. He loved easily and was easy to love. Those who knew him well admired his salesmanship abilities. Because of his charismatic personality, "He could sell ice to Eskimos!" Ryan possessed a mantra of various skills: he enjoyed working with his hands - refinishing furniture and painting small canvases. In recent years he honed his cooking skills, especially barbecue, in his business Southern Smokehouse. He loved to play soccer when he was younger, beginning on local teams at age 4. He played for several years as a teenager on a select soccer team, The Shreveport Sting, making the penalty kick that won the state championship one of those years...a treasured memory for Ryan and his family. While a number of interests captured Ryan's time and imagination across the years, nothing compared to the love and pride he felt for his two daughters, Samantha and Katelyn. Ryan was a 1995 graduate of Southwood High School. A memorial service will be held at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, July 29, 2013, conducted by Rev. John Harp, assisted by Rev. Mike Smith and Rev. Donnie Lee, ministers of Brookwood Baptist Church. Special music will be provided by Ryan's cousin, Rev. Bruce Maxwell. Pallbearers are Justin Freeman, Steve Kelly, Mike Miller, Ashley Powers, Beauchamp Powers, and Tim Prewitt. Visitation for family and friends was held on Sunday evening, July 28. Although Ryan struggled valiantly against overwhelming disabilities in his adult years, in these recent days his desire to walk close to his Lord, Jesus Christ, had deepened, and he shared those feelings with loved ones. Ryan seemed intent on looking forward to a better day. Knowing this gives those who love him and are left behind great comfort, believing that he has finally realized that "better day' he longed for..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. The family expresses their deep appreciation to the host of special friends that have been with them around the clock at the hospital and for those that have been praying nonstop for Ryan. A very special thankyou goes to the ER staff and Critical Care Unit of Willis Knighton South - for their care, compassion and concern for Ryan during his time with them. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church, 9014 Brookwood Church Way, Shreveport, La. 71106; Gideons International or The American Diabetes Association .