John Insley "Bucky" Hammond, age 86, of Powhatan VA formerly of Gretna and Roanoke VA, left us to be with Jesus on January 26, 2024. John was an only child of the late John Andrew & Leah Quarles Hammond.

Left to mourn his loss is his loving wife of 38 years, Shirley Eanes Hammond, sons Jeff Hammond of Roanoke, and Ed Hammond (Kate) of Christiansburg; and  daughter Connie Beekman (Chip) of Powhatan; seven grandchildren: Isaac Hammond, Adam Hammond, Jennifer Hammond, Dagny Hammond, Jeffrey Hammond, Doug Beekman, and Dustin Beekman (Amber); and three great-grandchildren Maddox Beekman, Taylor Beekman, and Chesney Beekman.

John was a faithful and loyal employee of Yokohoma Tire Company, Salem VA for 30 years. He was in the Virginia National Guard for 11 years. He was a member of Incarnation (Anglican) Church, Richmond VA.

John decided months/years ago to put on his grave marker "He loved Jesus". And that sums up his belief/confession of faith of more than 70 or 80 years. He was an avid supporter of the local churches where he lived as well as foreign missions. He walked out his testimony at 8 different prisons serving with the Kairos Prison Ministry for 30 years and telling the Good News to all who would listen, especially the lost, forgotten, unloved incarcerated men. John was a generous man who was ready to give from his heart where there was a need or a mission that needed to be supported or accomplished.

John was also a friendly person who never met a stranger. He treated everyone by the Golden Rule. He made friends on the streets where he lived & took his daily walks, in the malls, in the prisons. He kept his fingertips on the pulse of the community/church/neighborhoods/prisons/friends.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna VA 24557 at 2:00 p.m. officiated by his good friend - who was also his spiritual advisor and travel buddy, Rev. Alan Murphy...and eulogized by others. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home.

Burial will be beside his dear parents at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke VA on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

There will also be a memorial celebration of life at Anglican Church of the incarnation - Richmond, currently meeting at Gayton Road Christian Church, 12090 Richfield Parkway, Richmond VA for his fellow church members, neighbors, and Kairos brothers and sisters in the Richmond area on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

The family extends our heartfelt thanks to all those who have prayed for us and cared for us so kindly during these last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory to Kairos that has been his ministry for so many years. Donations should be payable to Kairos of VA -( Green Rock CC on memo line) and may be sent to: Kairos at Green Rock, c/o Haywood Belvin, 2116 Laurel Ln, Altavista VA 24517-2008.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.