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.
Send flowers to the service of Mr. Tony Hammond
The coolest uncle in the world! You always showed your nieces love! You always wore the nicest suits and kept the flyest cars. I'm gonna miss your funny jokes, and your grand entrances. Heaven gained a real one !
Even that we were long distance I Will love and miss you dearly my dear
Love you cousin from the heart only heavens and earth can keep. Us apart
Tony you will be severely missed. No matter how near or far did not make us any less than we are I still loved you unconditionally from afar
Tony, we had a joke. I will miss my check that you're supposed to send every month.
It was just yesterday when I was running downstairs drawn by the aroma of your famous chicken wings or sneaking to get some of your hair products out your bathroom before school. A few days ago, we were just riding in the back seat on the way to school and you were sharing with me about how different NY was from the south. I was so intrigued! You spoke differently from us and you had a special joy inside of you. When you came in my life I was a young kid doing the best I could to help a young mom, but truly you saved us. As I write this with eyes full of tears, I am so grateful for how amazing you were as a step-dad! All I've been thinking about is that green couch and how we always knew you were home. "Tony Montana" (laughing) I can hear you saying that like it was yesterday. You will be with me forever and I will miss you. Anytime my sister called me to come do anything for you I always came from where ever I was in the world because you deserve more love than human life can offer one man. It's hard to say goodbye so I will say see you soon Big Ton. Love you forever and ever. Little Ton is still my baby, and he will be fine! Promise! Proud of you and I know you lifted your eyes in glory! Amen!
So sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin (Tony). May the special memories he made with those whose lives he touched bring strength and peace at this difficult time. May his legacy of love and kindness continue to inspire us all. Heart felt condolences.
Our heart truly goes out to the family during this painful time. Please know that you're not carrying this grief alone. Our family is holding you close in our thoughts, and we're praying that you all find moments of peace, strength, and gentle comfort in the days ahead. Tony's spirit will continue to live on through the love and memories you shared. We're here for you, always. Love, the Bridges, Williams and Cowans Family
To little Ton, Brandi, Autumn and my sister Julia Big Tony- words can't express how much we will miss your presence here. We went to New York like you and Julia once did last year. I know god is pleased with your walk here. The family will remember your smooth style, character and smile that warmed a room. Rest with the angels. Love your sister in law and brothers in law. Ann,David and Dewayne😘🙏🏾❤️
In times like these words elude me but the memories of the first time I met you when you came to visit Robert in Louisiana and it was hotter than hot and you made a statement that it wasn't helping anything by you 'wearing a black trench coat' which totally confused me because you didn't have one on. With a huge smile 'My skin.' Even during your recovery, with a smile 'It's not trouble. It's training. Put that on Facebook.' Tony I hope I quoted you correctly.Forever in our hearts. Rest on Brother. Praying God's peace for Family and friends 🙏🏽♥️🙏🏽
Dear Ton, It is with a heavy ❤️ heart that I write this final letter to you. I was reflecting on our many cherished memories and I am filled with both sorrow and gratitude.Tony you will be deeply missed and loved beyond words.Your warmth and kindness will always be remembered. As you fly high into God's hands,know that you are surrounded by love ❤️.To The Greatest Father and Friend Rest in Peace.
Little Tony, My heart breaks for you at this time. I'll continue to pray that God provides you peace as you grieve. Your dad was a great example of what a gentleman should be. I love you & I'll always be here for you.
To my cuz You were born to bring joy to the world Authentically a Pearl Your unapologetically mastered your swag and your aura like none other Take your rest We will see you again❤️ you until eternity.
Sorry for your loss
It is with heartfelt sympathy and profound sorrow to hear about the passing of Tony. I wanted to reach out and acknowledge that I was informed of his passing. While the generational bond and glue are the sisters; my mother being the youngest siblings just know it's heartbreaking to lose a family member even if it's years that we haven't been in touch. Know I pray for your strength, peace and comfort during this difficult time. Humbly submitted, Rev. Dr. Vivian T Gamble Daughter of Louvenia Davis, youngest daughter of Catherine Black of Patrick, South Carolina.
Family you're in my heart, thoughts and prayers at this time. May God comfort and strengthen you all during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs.🙏🏽🕊❤️
To our Uncle Tony. You will be truly missed. We will miss your charming and your sharp suit dressing. We Love You From your Nephew and Niece Ismail & Danielle
Tony when u came in Becky's and Mary's you always had a smile on your face.To the family so sorry for your loss.Lavern Steed
I'm not too good in finding my own words but I can always find a card that says just what I want to say. But I will say this because I've been repeating it since the day you left us, "Tony Tony Tony, God bless your soul." RIP cuz 🕊️😘🌻 I❤️U. Again, I would like to extend this to my family and friends near and far. You all are always in my heart and prayers and my wish for us is longevity and good health.
Shelby🙏🏽💕
My Brother, Life is not going to be the same without you. I miss you already. Your smiles, laughter and the many different phrases you say to me whenever we talk are seen each other. Memory of grandma holding you on her hip while cooking with your bowlers wrapped around her. There's many more. God called you home early BUT, we will see each other again in that great by and by. To Family keep trusting in God. He will never leave you or forsake. It hurts but God knows best for him. Love you all family. Your Big brother loves you. Robert
RIP Cousin Tony 🕊️ you will be missed... To Tevin and Lil Tony sending love, hugs and my Sincerest Condolences! I pray all the great memories you have with and of your Dad fill your hearts with joy and peace during this sad time... To his siblings, nieces, nephews and the rest of our family I send hugs and pray that God comfort you all as well stay strong. Love Toasy, Romie, Rayjah, Pop, Kairo & Ny 🙏🏾💪🏾❤️
Uncle Tony , you were truly one of a kind. Forever will hold your lessons close and to know you was to love you. I will miss you and rest easy Mr. GQ.
We are praying for peace that passes all understanding. We love you all and send our condolences.
Sorry for your loss
My Dear Uncle Tony I will miss you each day that passes remembering all the sweet memories you leave behind. God Bless You!!🙏🏽
An Angel has gotten his Wings 🙏🏾
I love you!
I don't have the right words. Just a broken heart. Losing you doesn't seem right yet! Rest my Baby Tony
I'm so sorry for our loss god knows best we loved you and will miss you so much love everyone so much praying for all of us
Tony, you are already missed. Your words, laughter, and witty banter are unmatched! I've learned a lot from you, big Cuz! Our conversations are forever etched into my heart. Fly high- the earth is now your oyster for real, and Heaven is your eternal home! ~Cuz Shawnay aka "Sunshine"
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.