CPO Paul Phillip Hammock

CPO, Paul Phillip Hammock, USN Ret. of Litchfield Park, passed away peacefully in the early morning of September 12, 2005 at age 94. He was born in Carthage, Missouri to Virgil and Cora Hammock on July 28, 1911. He moved often as a boy following his father who worked on the railroad, was a mechanic and a carpenter. Paul worked at many part time jobs during school helping to support his family who finally settled in Southern California. In 1927, at age 16, Paul enlisted in the US Navy, a decision he never regretted. He spent his seventeenth birthday in Shanghai China while serving in the Asiatic Fleet. In 1931, he met and married Hettie Voorhies and they had one son, Rex. In 1941, Paul was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Astoria, home ported in Pearl Harbor. The ship left the harbor on December 6, 1941, thus escaping the attack by the Japanese on December 7. The Astoria later was sunk on August 2, 1942 off Guadalcanal in the battle of Savo Island. Paul was not injured, but spent eight hours in the water in the dark with the sharks until rescued by the U.S.S. Wilson. 400 of his shipmates died. At the time of death, he was the oldest, living survivor of that event. Paul retired from the Navy in 1947 then served two more years (51, 52) during the Korean War. He then opened and operated a very successful auto parts business for 15 years. He moved back to California in 1968 and opened a cable (wire rope) business with his brother, Clarence. They built the business for thirteen years then sold it and Paul retired at age 70. Paul moved to Litchfield Park in 1988 to be near his son. He was an avid golfer and played well into his 80s until failing mobility forced him to give it up.---He remained a fan the rest of his life. Paul volunteered for many years at the Arizona Humane Society and in 1998 was named "Star Volunteer of the Year." He was also a life member of the Navy League. Paul is survived by his son, Col. Paul Rex Hammock, USAF Ret.; daughter-in-law, Sharon; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Webster and Marie Hammock; grandsons, Steven (Maureen) and Kevin (Susan); eight great-grandchildren, Phillip, Mick, Kelsey, Maggie, Bennett, Rebecca, Rex and Kathleen; and many nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his wife, Hettie, his parents, brothers, Clarence and Virgil, and a grandson, Phillip. Paul lived a long and productive life with many accomplishments, but he was most proud of his service to his country in the United States Navy. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., September 16, 2005 at Skyway Church of the West Valley, 14900 W. Van Buren St. in Goodyear, Arizona 85338. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego, California. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Paul's memory may be made to Skyway Church of the West Valley, 14900 W. Van Buren St. in Goodyear, Arizona 85338. Arrangements by Valley West Funeral Chapel.