Tony Hammond was born on December 23, 1960, in Newburgh, NY, to the late Barnell Hammond, Jr. and Eloise Hammond. On February 10, 2026, Tony completed his earthly journey, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by resilience but by love, quiet confidence, and a cool stride fueled by grit and grace.

Tony never sweated about life's small stuff. Instead, he approached life with steady calm and perspective, understanding that what others might call trouble was, in his eyes, simply training. Always impeccably dressed, Tony carried himself with dignity and pride. His appearance reflected who he was inside—a man who respected himself and others. But it was his humor and warmth that people remembered most. His smile was genuine and inviting, the kind that instantly put others at ease and made them feel seen.

Tony was a proud graduate of Cheraw High School in Cheraw, South Carolina, where he maintained lifelong friendships with his colleagues. Tony spent his entire professional career in the automobile sales industry, where he became nothing short of exceptional. He had a rare, natural gift—Tony could sell a car in a snap. Tony worked with several respected dealerships, including Van York Auto, Impex Auto Sales, and Flow Automotive Group. He was widely known as one of the best in the business and took pride in mentoring others, generously sharing his knowledge and helping many build successful careers of their own. His success came not from pressure, but from trust, confidence, and genuine connection. Customers believed in him, colleagues respected him, and newcomers learned from him.

Family was at the center of Tony’s world. He loved deeply and showed it consistently—through his presence, his humor, and unwavering loyalty.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Barnell Hammond and Eloise Hammond. His grandparents: Barnell Hammond and Maggie A. Hammonds-Smith, York Sellars and Anna Bell Sellars; aunts: Annie Borden, Jewel Smith, and Alice Lewis; uncles: Walter Hammond, Arthur Hammond, and James Peterson.

Tony leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Tony Hammond II, Cary, NC, and Tevin A. Boyd-Hammond, Charlotte, NC; two step-daughters, Brandi Baker Greensboro, NC and Autumn Baker, High Point, NC, and three step-grandchildren, his brothers, Robert Hammond (Deborah), Bossier City, Louisiana, and Lamar Hammond (Kourtney) Florence, SC; two sisters, Faye Hammond Greensboro, NC and Linda Hammond Albany, NY, special parents, Essie Bennett (James), Hope Mills, NC who loved and raised Tony as their own beloved son, aunts; Geneva Buxton, New Britain, CT, Martha Ann Peterson, Virginia Beach, VA, Petite Hammonds, Atlanta, GA, Tamantha Hammonds, Hartsville, SC, Ruth McFadgen, Lawrenceville, GA, Ruth Ann Morris, Catherine McLean, Lucinda Robinson, Ann Burnham, and his Uncle Jr. all of South Carolina; special niece, Taylor Burns, a host of nephews and nieces, cousins and friends all of whom he cherished. A special thank you to Julia Baker-Hammonds (former spouse and loyal friend), Autumn Baker (stepdaughter), and Maureen “Sunshine” Smith (cousin), all for your unconditional love and support.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, February ,19 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro, NC.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.