William Eugene Hammes

Bill was born in Utica, NY on September 30, 1921, the eldest son of the late William P. and Irene Olga (Smith) Hammes. He was predeceased by his younger brother Ted.

Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years June (Neis) Hammes, sons Andrew P. Hammes and wife Toni of Raleigh, NC, David J. Hammes and wife Ellen of Cortland, NY, and daughter Mary Ellen Hammes-Alpaugh and husband David of Bahama, NC; grandsons Matthew D. Hammes and wife Erin and Michael W. Hammes and wife Jennifer of Cortland, NY; and nieces Kathy Couture and Carol Kelley.

Bill graduated from St. Peter’s High School in Reading PA, attended Villanova University and Montana School of the Mines, before enlisting in the Army Air Corp (US Air Force) in 1942. After the war Bill enrolled in Mohawk College and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ithaca College in 1950.

Bill’s professional career was in accounting and internal auditing management positions for Corning Glass, American-LaFrance Corp in Elmira, NY and IBM in Owego NY and Gaithersburg, MD. He retired from IBM’s Federal System Division in 1986 after 30 years of service.

In retirement Bill and June moved to a golf club community in Hampstead, NC, where Bill enjoyed golf and was lucky enough to have a hole in one during his golf career. Bill and June toured or cruised every year for 10 years very much enjoying their retirement years.

In 1995, Bill and June moved to Springmoor, where he enjoyed playing bridge, practicing his golf putting, current event discussion groups, croquet, working in the convenience store, talking about sports, especially the New York Yankees, and sharing his lifetime stories. Bill was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and good friend. In the last four years he did not miss many days visiting his wife in the Stewart Health Center.

A memorial service will be held in the Springmoor auditorium, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, NC. Friday, March 6, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Utica, NY, St. Agnes Cemetery at a later date.

His children extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the Stewart Health Center for all the care Bill received.

The family will provide the flowers and we ask that you make a contribution in Bill’s name to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.MitchellatRMP.com