James Ray Hamm

James Ray Hamm, 88, of Abilene, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at his residence after a short illness.

Visitation will be held, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022, at The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, 7457 West Lake Road.

James Ray Hamm was born on September 7, 1933, in Coeburn, Virginia. He grew up at Boys’ Home, Covington, Virginia and excelled in all sports. He played basketball and baseball for Boys’ Home and football for Covington High School. After High School he attended Staunton Military Academy on football and baseball scholarships. After completion he joined the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed his military service and all the traveling that entailed. Ray also spent time serving his country in Viet Nam.

In 1956 he married his high school sweetheart. He retired at Dover AFB, Delaware, after more than 20 years of military service. He loved working in his beautiful yard and gardening and always had some type of project going whether it was repairing something or building furniture.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Iris June Walthall Hamm, also formerly of Covington, Virginia, and his children Kim Bryant and husband Steve, Kevin Hamm, and Kristi Hamm. Also, his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Sandra Hamm.