Dec. 22, Paul Jack Hammock ended his courageous battle with cancer while receiving tender care from the staff at the Bethany Hospice House, Auburn. Born Dec. 14, 1942, in Vina, Paul spent his younger years living in Red Bay and Illinois before making the decision to serve his country under the Army Branch of the military. During his faithful service, he completed three tours in Vietnam, where he earned the Purple Heart. After retiring from the military, he returned to his hometown of Red Bay to be with his family before moving to Auburn, where he was employed at the USDA Soil Dynamics Lab until his medical retirement.

When he was not fishing with his son in his bass boat, he was planting flowers everywhere to brighten up the world.

Graveside services will be Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. at Single Springs Cemetery, Vina, with Bro. Steve Lindsay officiating. Burial will be in Single Springs Cemetery, Vina.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Hammock; four daughters, Jean Hammock Watson of Oklahoma, Sheila Hammock of High Point, N.C., Carla Hammock Burton and son-in-law Eric Burton of Opelika and Rebecca Hammock of Salem; one son, Tony Hammock of Auburn; grandchildren, Jordon and Jenna Ferguson of Oklahoma and Jessi, Caleb and Erica Burton of Opelika; one great-grandson, JohnOliver Ferguson; his siblings, Delmar Nichols of Ohio, Elva Jones of Red Bay and Joe Hammock of Vina; as well as numerous nieces and nephews he held close to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lula Nichols; father, Harvey Hammock; son, William Paul Hammock; and brother, John Nichols.

Visitation will be Dec. 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local Hospice Facility, Cancer Center, Alzheimer’s Association or VA Chapter.