Beech Tree News Network

Horace Bradley Hammers, age 80 of Rochester, KY passed away peacefully on Monday, December 4, 2023 at Hospice of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green, KY. Horace was born on December 23, 1942 in Rochester, KY to the late John Alvin and Mildred Juanita Bradley Hammers. He built his life in the community of Rochester on the Green River where he grew up. Early in his life after graduating from Butler County High School in 1961, he was employed on river barges working for the Hines Company and then a short stint at a steel mill in northern Indiana before returning home and beginning his career with Jenkins Bait & Tackle Company in Rochester. He labored diligently at the fledgling business, eventually becoming co-owner, and helped grow that operation into a respected wholesale company serving central Kentucky until he retired at 73 years of age after nearly 50 years of commitment to his customers. He always said his customers were the reason he stayed in the business as long as he did. Horace loved the community of Rochester and was active throughout his life in projects that supported the town. He was elected to the duties of Mayor for multiple terms and served the community well. He was one of the early proponents and members of the Rochester Fire Department, advocated to build the city park and rebuild the baseball and softball park among many other endeavors. Horace also loved his church. After giving his life to Christ, he was a faithful and dedicated member of the Rochester Missionary Baptist Church. 

By his side through it all was the love of his life, Phyllis Sue (Jenkins) Hammers. Horace and Sue were married in February of 1964 and raised a son, Brandon, who was born in 1970. Horace was a good and faithful father and husband who always exemplified the values of hard work, commitment and service above self. Among so many other attributes, he will be remembered for his kind heart, loving smile and ability to always find a reason to brag on his family who he loved so much. Other than his parents he is preceded in death by one sister Judith Gail Johnson.

Horace Bradley Hammers is survived by his wife, Sue Hammers of Rochester, KY; one son, Brandon Hammers (Kelly) of Sellersburg, Indiana; one grandson, Bradley Hammers (Justice); great granddaughter Laken Rae Hammers, all of Henryville, Indiana; two brothers, Ray Hammers of Franklin, KY and Lowell Hammers of Bowling Green, KY; three nephews, John Hammers (Tammy) of Bowling Green, KY, Scottie Johnson (Karina) of Knoxville, TN and Chad Johnson (Michelle) of Brentwood, TN and two nieces, Cindy Prigge (Tom) of Germany and Stephanie Vandeveer (Mitch) of Franklin, KY.

Funeral services will be held at the Rochester Missionary Baptist Church Friday, December 8, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Roger Heltsley and Bro. Darryl Dockery officiating. Burial will be in the Rochester Cemetery where Brandon Hammers, Bradley Hammers, Chad Johnson, John Hammers, David Roe and Gary Chatmon will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel and visitation on Friday will be held from 10:00 a.m. until funeral time at 1:00 p.m at the Rochester Missionary Baptist Church. Please share any photos, memories, condolences or light a candle in memory of Horace at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com <http://www.jonesfuneralchapel.com>. Jones Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Horace Bradley Hammers.