Joseph Samuel Hammond

J. Samuel Hammond, 73, died at home on February 25, 2021 after several months of declining health. Born in Americus, Georgia, son of Archie and Lorice Hammond, Sam attended public schools in Americus, earned bachelor’s and Master of Theological Studies degrees from Duke University, and a Master of Science in Library Science degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. While an undergraduate at Duke, Sam began playing the carillon in Duke Chapel, a practice he continued for 53 years. He also worked for 47 years in the Duke Library system, serving as Music Librarian, Rare Books Librarian, and Special Collections cataloguer. Upon his retirement in 2018 as University Carillonneur, Sam was awarded emeritus status by the Board of Trustees, who also named the Duke carillon in his honor.

During his lifetime, Sam served as organist at Methodist, Episcopal, and Catholic churches, substitute organist at Duke Chapel, and accompanist for the Duke University String School youth orchestras, the Triangle Jewish Chorale, the Durham Savoyards, the Longleaf Opera Company, and other groups. He especially enjoyed playing piano with young solo performers in voice, violin, or cello.

Sam was a good and faithful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a dear friend to many. He is survived by his wife Marie, son Christopher and his wife Kelli, son John, and grandchildren Thomas, Paul, Martha, and Elisabeth, brother-in-law Bill Katz, sister- and brother-in-law Kathy and Charles Register, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorial gifts may be made to Urban Ministries of Durham, Triangle Land Conservancy, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The Hammond family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences:www.hallwynne.com; select obituaries.