Donnie Ray Hammond

Donnie Ray Hammond, 71 of Cleveland passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, following a brief illness.   Donnie was born in Gainesville, Georgia on November 21, 1945. He graduated from North Habersham High School in 1963.Donnie married Miriam Allen on April 1, 1967. They were married 49 yrs.   Donnie retired as a Meat Inspector for the Georgia Department of Agriculture where he worked for 34 years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and a good steak.  He was a member of Yonah Masonic Lodge #382 where he served a term as Grand Master, and American Legion Post #16.  He served in the United States Navy until he was Honorably Discharged in 1964.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland. Donnie is preceded in death by his father, Ray Lee Hammond, Mother, Opal Mildred Whitmire Hammond and Grandson Gregory Ray Hammond.   Donnie is survived by his wife Miriam, son Heath Hammond (Cindy Vandiver) of Cleveland; Denise Loggins (Adam Loggins) of Cleveland; Cindy Ledford (Andrew Ledford) of McDonough; four grandchildren: Rachel Hammond of Cleveland; Mason Loggins of Cleveland; Ethan Ledford and Addison Ledford of McDonough; sister, Brenda Finger (Joe Finger) of Rome; brother, Larry Hammond (Connie Hammond) of Clarkesville; and many nieces and nephews.   Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Yonah View Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Michael Wilkes and the Rev. Gary Heffner will officiate.   The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Tuesday and again on Wednesday from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour.   Online condolences can be made to the family at barrettfh.com   Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.