Nichols- Alard Austin Hammond, 83, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born in Horry County, a son of the late Alard James and Agnes Marlowe Hammond. Surviving are his son, Austin Tommy Hammond and his wife Carla of Nichols; one daughter, Brenda Stroud of Nichols; three sisters, Agnes Merle Cox of Nichols, Marie Elliott of Loris, and Linda Lewis of Nichols; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2011 at Meares Funeral Home of Mullins. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Nichols. An online guest book is available at mearesfh.com. Meares Funeral Home of Mullins is honored to serve the family of Mr. Hammond.