Eddie Franklin Hammontree

Eddie Franklin Hammontree, 87, was born on November 26, 1937, and passed away on June 2, 2025.

Eddie Hammontree, named after his grandfather Eddie Franklin Hammontree, is the son of Virgil and Geneva Hammontree. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Gloria Hull Lynch Hammontree; father Virgil Hammontree; Mother Geneva Youngblood Hammontree; sister Gail Hammontree May, daughter Tammy Hammontree Bramlett, granddaughter Autumn Hallman, granddaughter Summer Ripple and great grandson Adam Gilreath.

He is survived by two brothers, Carl Hammontree and Virgil Jr. Hammontree; two daughters, Pam Hammontree Kelly and Sharon Hammontree Trejo; two stepsons, Randy Lynch and Donnie Lynch; three stepdaughters, Candy Chandler, Teresa Robertson, and Pamela Bradley. Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Several step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Eddie grew up in Lakeview, Ga. He attended South Rossville Grammar School and Lakeview High School, where he excelled in football and boxing, winning Golden Gloves in his weight class.

After high school, Eddie was drafted into the Army. He completed six weeks of basic training in South Carolina and then trained as a medic for 18 months at Fort Bliss, Texas. Eddie served four years, including two years in the Army reserves.

Eddie also possessed a remarkable talent, in carpentry, Eddie was a master carpenter. This was both a natural gift and an inheritance from his earthly father. Eddie's father Virgil dedicated considerable time to teaching his son the trade. The Hammontree family has significantly influenced the construction industry.

They are highly esteemed for their exceptional craftsmanship, extensive knowledge, expertise, and innovative approaches to building homes and other essential structures. It is reasonable to assert that the Hammontree name will be recognized for generations as pioneers and distinguished contributors to innovation during a period when artistic freedom expanded the horizons of residential design.

The name "Hammontree" will be recognized and esteemed for generations to come. Eddie and his wife Gloria were highly respected by their family, friends, and acquaintances for their role as Mr. and Mrs. Claus during Christmas.

We deeply miss you and will continue to do so until we are reunited one day in heaven. Until that time comes, we will hold your memory close to our hearts, cherishing the good days and remembering your kindness and love for us. We believe that you are now in heaven, rejoicing with Gloria, your mother and father, your daughter and your grandchildren along with many more who passed on before you. But most of all, I know that you are in the presence of Jesus and that alone brings peace to pay our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 9, at 1 p.m. in the South Crest Chapel. Interment will follow in Tennessee-Georgia Memorial Park.

Condolences may be share at lane-southcrestchapel.com.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 8, from 4-8 p.m. in the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.