Branch Reed Hammock, from Waynesboro Virginia, passed away on October 8, 2022, comfortably at home at age
93. Branch was born in Nottaway County Virginia on September 24, 1929 to the late parents George Lilburn and
Fannie Alice Hammock. He was the youngest son of nine children. Surviving is a sister, Lottie Gray Morgan, 96.
Leaving Blackstone VA at sixteen to follow his eldest brother and to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute he
received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1950. He graduated as sergeant to continue service
with Officer Training at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Shortly after becoming 1st Lieutenant, he met the girl of his
dreams, Mildred Sheaffer, and soon they were married in Havre de Grace Maryland.
Upon honorable discharge from the US Army Lt. Hammock and his young bride became part of the E.I. Du Pont de
Nemours and Company family in North Carolina, then Tennessee where both his sons were born in Chattanooga.
His engineering work was flourishing, and he soon was recruited to Waynesboro Virginia with the company to the
nylon and LYCRA division. His two daughters were born in Waynesboro. After a brief move to Wilmington Delaware,
he returned to Waynesboro to make this his home.
With technological innovations and computerization DuPont offered early retirement. After thirty-one years with the
company, he had a clear direction for his future. He chose to accept his desire to become both an entrepreneur and
private businessman. With a plan to start up a contract personnel firm he put himself out there, receiving his first
professional contract in no time. After his personal success he formed his firm by incorporating to manage both
contracts and professional personnel placements in the US and Europe. With success there was more success.
As VA Management & Technical Services became ADSTAFF Personnel, Inc Branch successfully carved his niche in
redevelopment of office space and real estate management. He eventually sold his company to ADIA Personnel
and continued to manage his property and hit the links from time to time.
Branch attended The First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro also Havre de Grace, Kinston, Chattanooga,
Wilmington where his unwavering faith offered him challenges and continued service. He happily served as
educator, deacon-
treasurer, elder and trustee. His dedication to the Honor of the Lord gave him the opportunity to serve as chairman
of The Rebuilding Committee in 1984 after a fire destroyed parts of the sanctuary. His active membership and
undying presence shall not soon be forgotten.
As an established and active member of his expanding community he never said no to offered positions without
serious consideration. With the local UNITED WAY he served as Board of Director Treasurer and President. His
service with The Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority as Chairman brought the Springdale Housing
on Wayne to fruition as a much needed regentrification project.
After joining with Rotary International he served as President, Assistant Governor and District Governor’s
Representative for Club Extensions. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Sustainer, Benefactor and Charter Skelton
Fellow.Branch’s giving did not stop there. He actively served on the Summit Square Retirement Community Board
for nine years as Chairman and Sunnyside Corporate Board of Trustees.
Branch and his wife were married for sixty years on November 9, 2011. He has three surviving children Randolph,
Susan, and Janice. His surviving daughter in law, Pamela, is the wife of their late son Dr. Mark A Hammock. Their
beloved grandchildren Anna (Anit Sharma), Eva Bender and Branch Bender survive him. Joyfully his great
grandchildren Aayan and Liya Sharma are part of our cycle of life.
A Celebration of the Life of Branch Hammock will be held October 21,2022 at The First Presbyterian Church, 249 S
Wayne Ave, Waynesboro Virginia at two o’clock in the afternoon.
Interment, private, is at Riverview Cemetery beside his wife.
McDow Funeral Home