Edward "Sam" Morton Hammond, Jr.

Edward ‘Sam’ Morton Hammond, Jr., 84

Edward ‘Sam’ Morton Hammond, Jr. of Lake Wales, FL passed away Monday, October 30, 2023, at AdventHealth Lake Wales after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis.

He was born December 30, 1938, in Baltimore, MD to the late Edward Morton Hammond, Sr. and Edna Margaret Hammond; he moved to Florida from Baltimore, MD in 2005. Sam was a retired property manager for subsidized housing. He took great comfort from his Lutheran faith.

Sam enjoyed history and never lost his interest in learning new things. He loved card games, good books, and bad jokes. He will always be remembered for his quirky sense of humor and perpetual desire to make people laugh.

He was particularly interested in words and was equally entertained by doing crossword puzzles, playing word games with his sister, and reading a dictionary. Though his family will attest to Sam’s lack of musical abilities, he was a fan of classic country music, particularly Dolly Parton and The Statler Brothers.

Sam married his high school sweetheart, Babetta, and for 64 years was happiest when she was by his side.

Sam was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Mary Knox. Survivors include his wife, Babetta Hammond; children, Edward Hammond III (Greg Parr) of Lewes, DE, Cheri Scobie (Michael) of Finksburg, MD, and Robert Hammond (Robin) of New Albany, OH; three grandchildren, Amanda Scobie, Colleen Scobie, and Jonathon Hammond; sister-in-law, Carolyn Pratt, and brother-in-law, Howard Knox.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org). Condolences may be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.