William Hammond and Sharon Sue Thompson of Ellerslie, Georgia. Bill passed away on April 18 at Columbus Hospice and Sharon on October 12 at Warm Springs Medical Center, both from cancer. They had been married for 63 years.
Bill was born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on April 19, 1936 to Clay and Katie Estella “Stella” (née Howard) Saunders, one of nine children. He graduated from North Augusta High School, South Carolina. Bill then attended Furman University before joining the U.S. Air Force, serving as an Electronics Technician in Germany and France. Sharon was born in St. Louis on April 1, 1940 to Donald and Mary Lee (née Wallen) Thompson, the oldest of two children. After graduating from Beaumont High School, she began working as a secretary for the railroad company. Bill and Sharon met at the USO in St. Louis, Missouri while he attended training there.
Following Air Force service, Bill returned to the U.S. where he and Sharon married and raised their family, first in St. Louis then in Chicago. Bill worked for Emerson Electric, Monsanto, Watts, and Johnson Controls. His primary areas of expertise were electronic and pneumatic controls. Sharon earned an associates degree in web design from Joliet Junior College and served in executive secretarial positions with firms specializing in banking, finance, and risk management.
After retiring, Bill and Sharon settled in Ellerslie where they became faithful members of Waverly Hall Methodist Church, volunteering in various capacities and enjoying lasting friendships.
Bill was honored to be a veteran. He and Sharon were proud parents of sons who served in the Navy and Marine Corps and who remain involved in service to their local communities. They enjoyed working together to build beautiful model train layouts, especially for Christmas. Bill always loved gathering with his siblings and extended family and encouraged annual reunions. Sharon continued her family’s tradition as a lifelong quilter, creating warm works of art that will be treasured for generations to come.
Bill was predeceased by his parents and three of his sisters, and Sharon by her parents and brother. They are survived by two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, a granddaughter-in-law, five of Bill’s siblings, and generations of nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services were held at Waverly Hall Methodist Church. Their family wish to thank; the pastor and congregation of Waverly Hall Methodist Church, Piedmont Hospitals, Amos Cancer Center, The Oaks at Grove Park, Columbus Hospice, and Warm Springs Medical Center.

Georgia Cremation – Columbus is assisting the family with arrangements.