Keith W. Hammer

Keith W. Hammer obituary, Ocean Pines, MD

Keith W. Hammer

Keith Hammer Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 10, 2025.
Keith Hammer, 67, a resident of Ocean Pines, MD for 9 years and previously of Riva, MD, passed from this life into eternal life with the Lord on Tuesday July 1, 2025. He was born on October 21, 1957 in Orange, New Jersey to the late Wilbur and Eleanor Hammer. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Janice Hammer; two sons Dan Hammer and his wife Ann, of Gambrills, MD along with Mark Hammer of Salisbury, MD. Keith was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Hammer, in 2024. His six grandchildren are: Amanda, Caroline, Isaiah, and Ethan of Gambrills; Logan and Arya Hammer of Salisbury.

Keith earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1979. Keith also achieved a Master of Divinity from Rockbridge Seminary in December, 2013. He began his career as a programmer for Reynolds Metals Company in 1979. He discovered he had a natural ability to initiate and lead in the marketplace. He moved to Circuit City Stores, Inc. in 1983 to become the Director of Application Development. In 1995 he joined Crown Books as the Assistant Vice President of Information Systems. He continued to assume more responsibility and fulfilled the role of Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Crown Books. In 1997 Keith became the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the Dart Group.

He completed his career in the marketplace as Chief Information Officer for MARS (Music and Recording Superstores). It was at time that God called Keith into full-time ministry at Riva Trace Baptist Church in the year 2000. His love for Jesus Christ and his love for business made him a great candidate for the role of Executive Pastor. Keith loved serving the local church and his community. He was always investing in men and women who were interested in growing in their faith and leading others to do the same. Keith had an opportunity to serve at the BCMD (Baptist Convention Maryland Delaware) where he experienced being a support system to a network of Baptist Churches. In 2016 God led Keith to Sonrise Church in Berlin, MD. He embraced the roll of Executive Pastor and he loved working with Pastor Daryl McCready to expand God's Kingdom.

All are welcome to attend Keith's Celebration of Life service on Saturday, August 23,2025. It will be held at Sonrise Church, 10026 N. Main St., Berlin, MD 21811 starting at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to THE REFUGE YOUTH GROUP at Sonrise Church.

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David and Paula Peaper

Yesterday

We knew Pastor Keith for only several years, mostly while he was failing in his physical health. However, being with him numerous times while he was bedridden and getting to know his loving wife, Janice, has helped us to grow stronger in our own spiritual health. The Holy Spirit within Keith kept his mind alert and strong in sharing God´s Word. Thank you, Lord, for using Pastor Keith to bring us closer to You, and for building a friendship with Keith and Janice. What a blessing God gave us all in spending time together and we thank God for all of our special memories of Pastor Keith.
David & Paula Peaper

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