C. M. "Preacher" Hammack

March 24, 1936 - May 5, 2012

C. M. “Preacher” Hammack age 76, of Lady Lake, Florida passed away Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. “Preacher” was born in Dixie Pines, Mississippi and moved to the Lake County area in 1985 from Laurel, Mississippi. He was a retired car dealer and operated C. M. H. Truck and Auto Sales, Inc. with locations in Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Eustis and Inverness for many years. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and a member of Lawn Haven Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi. Locally he attended the Alliance Church of Leesburg. He belonged to Masonic Lodge #503 and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Laurel, MS; the Hamasa Shriners in Meridian, MS; and the Elks Lodge in Tavares, FL. He will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as a “Master Tinkerer” who could fix anything, for his “Gift of Gab” and generous heart. He was pre-deceased by his Parents – Felix and Edith Hammack, Brother – Felix “Buddy” Hammack, and Sisters – Freddie Sanders, Joyce Smith, and his twin sister Carolyn Higgason. He is survived by: His loving wife of 52 years – Betty, Daughters – Vicki Hammack of Lady Lake, FL; and Chelli Whidden (Daniel) of Parrish, Florida; Grandchildren Shea Whidden (Cody Giltner), Whitney Whidden  Barrs (Cody) and Ryan Whidden (Ashley Groover); and his devoted friend and companion… his dog Toby Two.A celebration of Preacher’s life is planned at Ellisville United Methodist Church, Ellisville, Mississippi on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 3:00 P. M. Dr. David Chance, Mr. Taylor Higgason, and Rev. Ralph Welch will serve as officiants. The family suggests that Memorial Contributions be made to the Leesburg Alliance Church – 218 South 14th St., Leesburg, FL 34748 in Preacher’s memory. They also encourage Preacher’s friends and family to donate blood, in his memory, at their local blood bank.Page – Theus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Leesburg, Florida has been entrusted with all arrangements