Ronald “Ronnie” Hammock, or just plain “Hammock” to those who knew and loved him, passed away on July 21, 2020 in Mansfield. He had suffered from Alzheimer’s
Disease for several years and had resided in the DeSoto Retirement and Rehabilitation Center. A memorial was held at Grand Cane Baptist Church to celebrate his life on Sunday, August 9, 2020.
Hammock was born on February 11, 1947 to parents Tommy and Hattie Hammock, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his sister, Rebecca “Ree” Hammock Hill and nephew David Hill.
He was known around this area as “Snake Man” since he had a way with reptiles and animals. He was a true lover of critters and all of God’s creations, and loved to be one with nature.
Hammock graduated from Logansport High School in 1965 and attended Louisiana Tech in Ruston. He then went on to serve his country in the United States Navy where he finished his degree in the medical field. He became a highly respected surgical technician and loved working in the capacity of nursing and in the medical field in general. He developed such a talented skill as part of a surgical team that he worked shoulder to shoulder with a well-known heart surgeon. He decided to retire from this highly stressful job and leave the fast paced city life before he became a heart patient himself. He then returned to the woods and nature of DeSoto Parish that he loved so much, and continued to live here until God called him home.
Quite a talented artist, Hammock gathered simple things he found in nature and transformed them into works of art. Taxidermy was one of his favorite God given gifts in addition to mastering woodworking. No doubt about it, Hammock was a man who could easily live off the land and be content.
Each Sunday, Ronnie looked forward to coming to church and worshiping the Lord. He was a member of Grand Cane Baptist Church for many years. Sundays were special days for Ronnie and his younger brother, Mitchell. They would attend church together and spend hours riding in the countryside.
He is survived by his brother Mitchell Hammock; nephew Jamie Hill; brother-in-law and special friend Ronnie Hill; great nieces Taylor and Madison Hill; great nephew Keo Hill and wife Anna; two great-great nephews Dayton and Parker Hill; one aunt; and many loving cousins and friends.
An incredible special thank you goes to DeSoto Retirement and Rehab Center. The love, care, and support given by their staff for many years was amazing.
Memorial gifts in Hammock’s name may be given to Grand Cane Baptist Church or the DeSoto Animal Shelter.