Rev. Earl W. "Nicky" Hammer

Reverend Earl W. "Nicky" Hammer The Reverend Earl W. "Nicky" Hammer, 79, of Waynesboro, loving husband of 55 years, of Peggy O'Baugh Hammer, left to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 16, 2010, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, in Harrisonburg.

He was born on February 21, 1931, in Hot Springs, Virginia, a son of the late James E. Hammer Sr. and Mamie Armstrong Hammer.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Wilson Memorial High School, Bridgewater College and Bethany Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.

Earl was licensed to the ministry in June of 1956 and was ordained on May 26, 1963. Brother Earl, as he was affectionately called, served 33 years in full time ministry. He served Topeco and Fairview churches in Floyd County, Virginia, Briery Branch near Dayton, Virginia, Charlottesville, and Free Union, and retired from Blue Ridge Chapel in Waynesboro in 1996. While in the Seminary, he served two summer pastorates, one in Durbin, West Virginia and Leakes Chapel in Stanley, Virginia. Also, for three years, while in College, he served four part -time churches in Highland County.

In the Church of the Brethren District, Earl served twice on its national standing committee at Annual Conference. He served as Chairman of the Shenandoah District Board, chairman of the District Ministry Commission, and served on the nominating Committee.

For many years he served as camp leader at Camp Bethel near Fincastle, Virginia, and at Brethren Woods near Keezletown. Since retirement, he filled pulpits when called on, and helped as a Sunday School teacher.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Eric D. Hammer and his wife, Faith, Greg S. Hammer and his wife, Debbie; and Dawn M. Watkins and her husband, Andrew; six grandchildren, David, Marsha, Justin, Scott, Brandy and Tony, and eight great-grandchildren; his brother, James E. Hammer Jr. and his wife, Lois; three sisters, Geraldine Cook and her husband, Boyd, Betty Davis, Virginia Lee Murray and her husband, Bob; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted 4 p.m. Sunday, December 19, 2010, at the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren with Pastor Ed Carl officiating. The family will receive friends at the church, following the service.

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, December 20, 2010, at Augusta Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Earl's memory, to the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren, 364 Bridge Avenue, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980, or the Bridgewater Retirement Community, 302 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812.

Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes is handling arrangements.

Family and friends may send condolences, share memories, and sign the guest register on line at www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.