Loye Hammond, 71, of Oakwood, died Thursday, May 7, 2009.

Born in Dawson County, he had lived in Hall County over 40 years. For many years Mr. Hammond was a commercial truck driver, after which he drove for ConAgra for 25 years until his retirement.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, a member of Crossroads Baptist Church and was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Barnes Hammond; parents, Clyde and Ruby Hammond; daughter, Deborah Grindle and a grandson.

Survivors include his children, Larry Higgins of Gainesville, Sandra Lee of Dawsonville, Judy Brewer of Cumming; sisters and brother-in-law, Mildred Bailey of Oakwood, Ruth and Harold Gazaway of Gainesville; brother, Clyde Hammond, Jr. of Dawsonville; special friend, Joyce Evans of Oakwood; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Stephen Davis and Ruel Martin officiating. Interment followed in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.