Winston Franklin Hammonds

Winston Franklin Hammonds, age 82, was born November 7, 1943. He passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, MS, surrounded by his family. Winston “Frank” Hammonds was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a student at Myrick High School in Laurel, MS, and later in life attended JCJC in Ellisville, MS, receiving a degree in business. He was a self-taught man full of a wealth of knowledge. He started out young working as a bag boy and worked his way up after years of hard work to a master carpenter then contractor. He loved to laugh and tell stories of all his experiences through his life of traveling. He lived his life to the fullest. He loved his family and the Lord. He married young, at 17, to his beautiful wife, Eva Sue, who was 14. They set out on life’s journey together, full of hopes and dreams. They loved to travel with their three daughters across the country. His love of the West was prevalent in his readings of Louis L’Amour books. He dreamed of living in Colorado and was planning his trip just before his passing. He was the strongest man his family ever knew and he taught us to be strong, independent, honest, and God fearing. We know he is telling God those wonderful stories even now! Winston is survived by his three daughters—Sonya Dean, Marie Painter (Paul), and Teresa Beech (Thomas); grandchildren Joseph Painter, Richard Painter (Kristen), Megan Cheeks (Kelly), Jesse Dean (Morgan), Jamye Forbes (Zachary); great-grandchildren Foxlee, Kimber, Colton, Brantley, Ian, Jonas, Shepard, Wyatt and Felicity; and a host of nieces and nephews. Winston was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Eva Sue Sims; parents Myrtis and James Roy Hammonds, Sr.; brothers W. C. Hammonds (Lottie) and James R. Hammonds, Jr. (Geraldine); sisters Nettie Pitts (Rembert), Christine West (S. V.), and Grace Anderson (Bob). A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sharon Cemetery in the Sharon Community, Laurel, MS. Burt Pitts will officiate. Pallbearers will be Thomas Beech, Paul Painter, Kelly Cheeks, and William Sims. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Winston Franklin Hammonds

November 7, 1943 - February 13, 2026