Ollie Pinkney Hammond passed away peacefully on September 9th at age 96, surrounded by his family.  Born June 26, 1929, at home in the Spring Branch Community of Horry County, SC, he graduated from Floyds High School and Clemson University. He served in the Army in the Korean War and often shared how blessed he was to have been able to return home, while many others did not.  He farmed for over 50 years and would often say that he found what he 'really wanted to do' at age 40 when he opened and operated Hammond Cucumber Market for the next three decades.  He was predeceased by his parents, Charlie Hammond and Pinkie Hammond, his siblings Thelbert Hammond, Weldon Hammond and Marie Hoyle and his loving wife and soul mate of 51 years, Christine Hammond.

He is survived by his daughter Jackie (Joey) Park of Myrtle Beach, SC, his grandchildren, Lauren (Steven) Edwards of Wilmington, NC and Elliot (Grace) Park of Beaufort, SC, his great- granddaughter (Lillian), extra special nephews and nieces and his four-legged buddy, Zeke, his constant companion of 10 years.

Known for his spirit of eternal optimism and ability to make people laugh, everyone he came in contact with left his presence with a smile and a lighter heart. His memory was impeccable up until his last days and recounting such details of his childhood, teens and early adulthood constantly amazed everyone he came in contact with. The unofficial "sage" of Spring Branch, he loved to share words of wisdom and tell stories of the community he loved his entire life. He gave the best advice and always had a remedy, a funny anecdote or a listening ear for anyone who needed it.

Other than his family, his true loves were Clemson football, deer hunting and all of nature; and he spent a lifetime enjoying all three. In his younger years, he and Christine were known to be exceptional dancers. He especially loved reminiscing on their jitterbug days and often retold those stories with a twinkle in his eye that let you know he enjoyed having a good time.

In his final years, a daily check of the Tiger football recruits on his laptop, the delight in watching squirrels attempt to navigate his bird feeder and re-telling stories of memorable hunts and fishing adventures brought him great joy.  Gardening and growing prize size watermelons until he was 92 was also a source of pride.

He always stressed that there would be no mourning, only celebration when his life came to an end.  He shared that he had nothing but thanks for the 96+ years of the best life any man could be given and that he wanted all to know there was only celebration of this life!

His faith was a quiet one but nightly prayers with Jackie became a standard and was a great blessing to them both.  He shared openly that he was not afraid of death and knew that eternity would be great, he just hated to leave this wonderful world behind.

The family would like to thank special caregivers Mary Jo Hartland, Raya Royster and Selena Clark for the great care and ability for him to remain at his second home in Myrtle Beach with his family for the last years of his life.

A graveside service will be held at Spring Branch Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, September 13th at 2:00 PM. A time of visitation with family and friends will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Shriners Children's Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605, Spring Branch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 6710 Church Loop, Nichols, South Carolina 29581, or any charity of your choice.  The greatest act that would honor the life of this special man is to enjoy your family, truly appreciate the gift of life itself, never take the grandeur of nature for granted and always make time to laugh!

A guestbook is available for condolences on our website at www.mearesfh.com.

Arrangements and care are being provided by Meares Funeral Home of Mullins.