Dr. Gary G. Hammer

January 9, 1934 - February 8, 2016
Dr. Gary G. Hammer

Dr. Gary G Hammer, 82, died after short illness, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2016. Born January 9, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas, Dr. Hammer received his BS and MS degrees in Chemistry at Wichita State University, and a PhD in chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Hammer located to Williamsburg with his family in 1961 and after a short time working for Dow Chemical Company, became a professor of chemistry at Christopher Newport University, from which he retired in 1998.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Ann (Smith), a daughter Gigi Hammer, his father, Gerald George Hammer of Wichita, Kansas, mother, Georgia Eleanor McMillen (nee Shumaker) of Wichita, Kansas, and two brothers, Ronald McMillen and Kevin McMillen, both of Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Hammer leaves behind a family of two sons, Gregory G Hammer of Greeley, Colorado, and Jeramy A Hammer of Milton, Vermont, four granddaughters, Lyndsay Rae Orr (Ryan) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Lynae Ann Mohondro (Dylan) of Casper, Wyoming, Loryn Lee Wheeler (Korey) of Edmond, Oklahoma, Layne Noel Hammer of Greeley, Colorado, one great-grandson, Owen Ryan Orr of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and a sister Judith Kaye Huff of West Plains, Missouri. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Graveside Service will be held at Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Dr., Williamsburg, on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Gary Hammer’s name to Child Development Resources, P.O. Box 280, Norge, VA 23127 or Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Please view and sign the family’s online guest book at: bucktroutfuneralhome.net


Burial

Thursday, February 11, 2016
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Williamsburg Memorial Park - Directions
130 King William Drive
Williamsburg, VA 23188

Purchase Flowers

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • February 11, 2016
    William "Mac" McGlaun says:
    I'm truly sorry for the passing of Gary with whom I worked at Dow Chemical and from whom I took General Chemistry at CNC when it was still a college. We had many wonderful discussions and I always considered him a good friend and mentor and who taught me not only chemistry but more importantly, taught me the correct technique of proper breathing which has been immeasurably beneficial throughout my life. Gary was a gentle, kind and outstanding teacher. He has always been and will continue to remain in my thoughts. I'm truly saddened by his passing.

  • March 23, 2022
    Christian Walter says:
    Much like Mr Hofmeyer I too recently had an interaction with a fellow bowler that favored Dr Hammer and I did not know Dr Hammer had passed. I asked the gentlemen, “your first name isn’t Gary is it”, to which he said his was George. When I looked up Dr Hammer I was sadden to learn of his passing. I too had to study my butt off to barely pass Dr Hammers organic chem class and lab. It was for sure the most studying I did in college. But Dr Hammer while tough was fair. I often correlate hard work with his class. We are all blessed to have been inspired and touched by Dr Hammer. Continued blessings to the family. Chris Walter-Class of 1997

  • March 23, 2022
    Christian Walter says:
    An awesome chemistry instructor

  • January 11, 2021
    Craig Hofmeyer says:
    Dr. Hammer was my organic chemistry professor at CNU for two semesters. I have never studied so hard for a class in all my life. He definitely made a mark on my life. He was the only professor invited to my wedding and he actually showed up and it was in Leesburg Virginia. He left before I could speak to him. He did give me a nice pie dish for a gift. When labs would run late into the night we would sometimes talk about catfishing. I will never forget that grin he had and those dark frame glasses. I will never forget the red laser pointer he used or how his syllabus said pray for the dead, fight like hell for the living. The class-size would steadily decreased through the semester with less than half surviving. Today I was talking to a gentleman on the job that looked much like Dr. Hammer. That led me to look up his picture and then see his obituary. I hope that he knew Jesus so that one day I can see him again. Blessings!

  • March 29, 2016
    Mark Fullen says:
    Dr. Hammer was my favorite professor at CNC. I graduated in 1990 with a BS in biology and a minor In chemistry. My most favorite memories were his above the call of duty help with my study of honeybees, of all things. My bee studies mainly concerned pheromone communication and with his help he provided great guidance and advice, not to mention many laboratory chemicals necessary for my projects. During general instruction in organic chemistry Dr. Hammer always seemed to parallel his lecture topics with every day topics, rather it be medical, industrial or just simple life experiences. He has had the greatest influence on my interest in chemistry and my career in chimistry. He will be greatly missed. My most heart felt condolences to his family.