Obituary of Junior Ray Hammons

JR Hammons, 80 passed away peacefully at home on March, 18 2018 with his wife of more than sixty years at his side.

JR was born on March 4, 1938 in Renick, West Virginia to Jink and Locke Hammons, he was the eleventh of fifteen children.

Junior came to California with his family in 1951 when he was thirteen years of age. He met the love of his life, Dolores Bilbao, the night she came to stay the night with his sister Shelby. They were married on November 30, 1957 at the Bilbao Family Ranch, and their love has been an example for all since. A man that never had the need for an alarm clock, he rose at the same time every morning, no matter the day, weather, or circumstance to work the family ranch, feeding and milking the cows, as well as helping those in need. Many cold mornings were spent with his children and grandchildren feeding the newborn calves. He worked for Walter Jansen and Sons for twenty-five years. He was a dutiful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; after a long day of work he could be found relaxing on his recliner with a child on his lap listening to their stories with a smile on his face. Despite numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he always found time for each and every one. The lessons learned at his knee will be long remembered and passed down now that he is gone. He rocked a beard before it was cool. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball in his younger years, and later spent many years coaching and helping out Gridley Little league and was a die-hard Packers fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jink and Locke, siblings, Melvin, Marvin, Delbert, Delmas, Gene, Gwen, Marcie, Audrey, Ralph, Shirley, and Jack, as well as his grandson Jeremy.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Dolores Hammons; siblings: Ruth Shaver, Shelby Scanlan; children: Kirk Hammons (Susie), of Kansas, Teresa Busby, Lori Torres (Balde), Tina Melton (Bill), Cathy Moore (Ron); twenty-two grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel on Monday, March 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 27, at the Gridley Biggs Cemetery at 2 p.m.