Eugene Elbert Hammonds

Eugene Elbert Hammonds, known affectionately by friends and family as Gene (and sometimes "Buster" by immediate family), passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, at the age of 88. He spent his final hours surrounded by his three kids: Greg, Glenn and Gena, his brother Jim and friends and family who adored him.
Gene was born on January 14, 1937, in Houston, Texas to Eugene Oliver and Helen (McCollum) Hammonds. His mother, Helen, was his primary parent and a powerful force for good throughout Gene's life.
Not one to run late for anything... Gene joined the Army at 17. While he never fought in a war, Gene most certainly fought his way back from hardships and setbacks. Following his honorable discharge, he went to work for Gulf Oil while taking night classes at the University of Houston and raising two kids.
Gene built a distinguished career at Gulf Oil and made lifelong friends, but the corporate life eventually ran its course. He turned down a promotion out of state so he and his wife, Gloria, could raise their kids in Texas. Shortly thereafter Gene started a new career in real estate, which would become one of his life's passions.
Gene's real estate career eventually led him to Lago Vista, TX where he founded Highland Lakes Real Estate. He and his wife Clara built Highland Lakes into a thriving real estate business and built numerous friendships along the way. Among his many civic leadership roles in Lago Vista, Gene founded and presided over the Lago Vista Economic Development Council.
While Gene's business and civic accomplishments were inspiring, he was happiest when he was supporting and cheering on his three kids and three grandkids. His love for his kids and grandkids was boundless.
Gene never turned down dessert. His appetite for banana pudding, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies, was rivaled only by his love for scotch, black coffee and cigars. He enjoyed all three with his best friend and brother, Jim. In his later years, Gene started most mornings with a cup of black coffee and a muffin with his oldest son, Greg. It was a highlight in both of their days.
Gene is survived by his oldest son, Greg Hammonds and wife Lisa; son, Glenn Hammonds; daughter, Gena Hammonds (named after Gene); brother, Jim Hammonds and wife Pam; and his cherished grandchildren, Mitchell Hammonds, Natalie Hammonds, and Ashley Brianne Cheek, her husband, Justin and two great grandsons. Each of them will hold onto the memories of Gene's welcoming and easy-going nature, loving and generous spirit, which has left an indelible mark on their hearts.
A private military funeral service is scheduled for Friday, March 7 at 10:00 am at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery near Killeen, TX. A lunch gathering (Mexican food – Gene's favorite) open to all who knew and loved Gene starts at noon on March 7 at Beck funeral home located at 1700 E. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park TX.