William "Mac" McDonald Hammond

Mac spent his early years moving around with his family between Florida and Georgia where his father found work during the Great Depression. His family settled in Atlanta, and Mac graduated in 1944 from Southwest Dekalb High School as class Valedictorian. Mac attended Georgia Tech, taking a break from school to serve in the Coast Guard. He graduated with a degree in engineering in 1949. During college, Mac met Volina Sorrells, whose family lived next door and was good friends with the Hammonds. They were married September 18, 1948, at White Oak Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta. Between 1949 and 1957, Mac and Volina had their four children. In 1958, Mac began working for Martin Marietta in Florida, where he worked for 32 years.

Mac and Volina and their children settled in Maitland, Florida. They have been faithful members of First Baptist Church of Winter Park since 1958, where Mac served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. After retiring from his career, Mac taught weekly Bible classes at the Orange County Jail, which he continued until 2020.

Mac never met a stranger and remembered everything he ever learned. He enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, travel with his family, and games and puzzles. He was a loyal, loving husband and dedicated father and grandfather. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the pride of his life. He and Volina gave generously of their time and resources, and many folks enjoyed the warmth of their hospitality. He loved God and committed his life to serving the Lord, faithfully teaching scripture to anyone who would hear. Mac was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.”

Mac is predeceased by his sister Jean (Hammond) Niebruegge, who passed in 2020, daughter-in-law Lynda, who passed in 2016, and grandson Huxley, who passed in 2004. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Volina (Sorrells) Hammond; his brother Sheldon Hammond and wife Susan; his four children and their spouses, Mac and Debra Hammond, Dan Hammond, Carol (Hammond) and Dan Knapp, and Dwain and Mary Hammond; his 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. To his family he was Dear, Dad, Granddaddy, DaddyMac, and Granddaddy Mac.

The memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Winter Park at 11am on Saturday, March 12.

Gathering will be at 10:30 till time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Orange County Jail Ministry, PO Box 568521, Orlando, FL 32856, payable to OCJM.