Jerome "Jerry" Allen Hammons, Sr.

Jerome Allen Hammons, Sr. "Jerry" of Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on October 9th, 1934. He was the firstborn son of Ada Hammons, a beautiful Chahta (Choctaw) woman who was filled with grit and wasn’t scared of anything. He was raised by her and his stepfather, Leon Hammons. He was the oldest of six siblings: Johnnie, Linda, Bennie, Rodney, Lonnie, and Mary. He was raised on a small farm located in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He was a proud member of the Choctaw tribe. As a boy, he had a feisty spirit, riding horses bareback and wrestling his mom's younger brothers: James, Toni, TJ, and Paul. He was a self-taught guitar player, songwriter, and singer. His family shined with joy and pride when he and his siblings, Glenn, Johnnie, and Linda, would sing and perform at the jamboree on weekends in Paris, Texas.

He left home at 14 to pursue his dream of seeing the world and seeking adventures. He rode trains to California and got into mischief as a young man while earning a living in construction and odd jobs. His natural charisma and good looks opened many opportunities for him. Eventually, he became a radio announcer at KCUL and then a TV reporter and News Director in Houston for Channel 12 KXII-TV. His magnetic personality and gift for gab made him successful at interviewing celebrities and entertaining audiences, including Muhammad Ali, Sonny James, and Jerry Lee Lewis. In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country by playing in the army band.

After that, his career in the news blossomed, and he met the love of his life, Sandra Lea Gregory. They married in 1967 and moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, for his new job as a newscaster and director at a local TV station, KTAL Channel 6. There, they had three children and raised their family. As his family grew, he settled down and pursued a successful career in selling insurance. His job took him all over the Southeast and Texas. He won many awards for his outstanding performance and sales. Jerry loved to travel and would often take the whole family on a two-week or longer vacation every summer, exploring the beautiful American landscapes and national parks. He and Sandy were married for 39 years until 2006, when Sandy lost her battle with ovarian cancer.

Sandy and Jerry had three children: Jerome, Jr. "Jay" (Amy), Chad, and Amber, and four grandchildren: Christopher (whom he raised with Sandy and legally adopted as his fourth child), Jerome III "Jack," Aidan, and Chad Jr. He was a devoted father and grandfather, known for his jokes, fun-loving spirit, and warm hugs and kisses. He loved life, had a wonderful singing voice, and was a fierce domino player. He was good with tools and was always there to lend a helping hand and expertise to any home improvement project. Jerry, aka Pepaw as he was affectionately called by his family, loved food, playing dominos, traveling by road, singing, and making people laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, beloved uncles, and many dear family members, including his wife. His children and grandchildren cherish his memory and honor his legacy. Jerry was a lifelong Christian and a faithful believer his whole life. He loved God, and we know he is singing for Jesus in Heaven now.

A celebration of life event is planned for Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Kirkpatrick Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier. All are invited to attend. His remains will be inurned following the service in Bossier City, Louisiana, at Rose-Neath Cemetery, next to his beloved Sandy, as he wished.