William F. Hammett

William F. Hammett of Little Rock went to be with his Lord on October 17, 2010 at age 84 in Henryetta, Oklahoma. He was born August 14, 1926 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of Curtis C. and Lottie Mae (Smith) Hammett. Bill attended Little Rock Senior High School. He lived his entire life in Little Rock until the passing of his wife Evelyn and for the last four years has been living in Oklahoma under the care of his stepson and his wife, Michael R. and Linda A (Koons) Vanderburg. Bill was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church from April 21, 1935 until his death. While just a young man he started recording the church services at Immanuel Baptist Church that was broadcast on radio. Then as time went by he handled the sound for the church services and various meetings. In 1973 Immanuel Baptist Church went on television and he worked in the TV booth handling the sound. In 1946, Bill received his Ham Radio License with call letters W%LCO and built his first ham radio. William F. Hammett was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis C. and Lottie M Hammett; his wife of forty two years Evelyn R. (Stocker Vanderburg) Hammett; two brothers, Jack C. Hammett and Otto Bryan Hammett; and two sisters, Nancy Elizabeth "Beth" Friday, and Mary Nell Hammett. He is survived by a stepson, Michael R. Vanderburg and his wife Linda, two grandchildren, Robert W. Vanderburg and Lauren R (Vanderburg Manaugh) and two great-grandsons, Isaac Neil Vanderburg and Cortland Robb Manaugh, along with many nieces and nephews. Also surviving him are a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Helen I and Jack R. Scholle, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Hammett. Bill had his own TV repair service for several years, and then worked for several companies including Baldwin Electronics and Jaggars/Pinnacle Recording Studio. On November 26, 1979, he went to work for the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences where he worked until he retired. The family will receive friends from 12 until 1 p.m., Friday, October 22, 2010 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501) 224-8300, followed by a 1 p.m. service in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Rick Jaggars officiating. Interment will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church Television or Building Funds or to the church choir, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211; or to a charity of your choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.