Charles Frederick "Fred" Hammer Sr.

Charles Frederick Hammer, Sr., age 71, passed away on February 24, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Fred was born and raised in Nashville, the son of Mary Katherine and Franklin Hammer. He graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy in 1972 and earned a B.S. degree in History from Vanderbilt University in 1976. He worked for Aladdin Industries for several years until his call to ministry could no longer be ignored. He returned to Vanderbilt, earning his Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in 1984. He was ordained as elder of the United Methodist Church at Holston Annual Conference, held at Lake Junaluska, NC, in 1986. Throughout his ministry, he served churches in both the Tennessee and Holston Conferences.

In 1995, he chose to step away from ministry and began a successful real estate career. He returned to ministry in 2009, serving churches in the Morristown and Rockwood districts, retiring in 2016 due to illness.

Fred also discovered his love of hiking. He hiked over 400 miles on trails in the Smoky Mountains in 2014 and over 200 miles in 2015. One of his favorite hikes was to Mt. LeConte. Meeting people on the trails was truly fun for him. Fred had a genuine interest in getting to know people. He had a kind and gentle spirit. Fred was a wonderful teacher, and his extensive knowledge of the Bible helped others better understand the Christian life. He tried to live what he preached.

Preceding Fred in death were his parents, Mary Katherine and Franklin Hammer; uncle and aunt, Fox and Evelyn Holland; and his mother-in-law, Connie Stone.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; son, Charlie (Ashley) Hammer; daughter, Sarah (Jonathan) Hammer Foster; grandsons, Ian, Riley Hammer, and Ozzy Foster; brother, Frank (Susan) Hammer; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amedysis of Jefferson City, especially Amanda and Hannah, and to Gentiva Hospice, Tina and Tonda, for their kindness and gentle care.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 PM, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the East Chapel of Allen Funeral Home of Morristown, TN. A funeral service will follow at 2 PM, with Rev. Darris Doyal officiating. Graveside services will follow in Historic Bethesda Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery Bell Academy, 4001 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Boys Town, P.O. Box 6000 Boys Town, NE 68010-9988.

Allen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.