Jay Warren Hammer
1977-2021
Jay Warren Hammer, 44, died September 1, 2021.
Born January 14, 1977 he was preceded in death by his father, Warren Hammer.
Jay was raised near Berkeley Springs, W.Va., and attended Berkeley Springs High School.
He later discovered home in Tennessee where he flourished and found serenity and a peaceful purpose in his life.
He is survived by his daughter, Lyric Hammer, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; sons Makai and Dakoa Hammer, of Berkeley Springs; mother, Janice Harshman of Martinsburg W.Va.; sister Erin (Hammer) Vaughan, of Centreville Va.; sister Kelly Homan, of Smyrna Ga., sister Robin Stepp-Evans, of Harker Heights, Texas. Also surviving him are a few of his closest friends whom he considered chosen family.
Jay loved junk. New junk, old junk – didn’t matter as long as it was junk to everyone else. He loved to take one piece of junk and mix it with another piece of junk to make a fully functioning (most of the time) piece of junk. He had a vast assortment of junk that he treasured while he patiently waited to find the perfect additional piece of junk that would fit his collection just right. He was very talented with his junk skills, even turning a baby blue 1980 Datsun 210 into a truck once. His love of junk and imaginative nature fostered his growing talent in his jack-of-all-trades gift. He was a mechanic, driver, builder, demolition specialist, plumber, foreman, manager, and first day rookie all in one. Jay was known for his ability to fix even the most gnarled of broken things, and he took great pride in his work – while his customers found great relief in his skills.
Jay will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, giving spirit, kind heart, and warm eyes that never failed to show the depth of his old soul. He was a dear friend, gracious father, and treasured big brother who will forever live on in the hearts of those who love and miss him. Jay would never tolerate a room full of sad, depressed people crying over him. He likely would walk out of his own funeral if that were the case. All who knew and loved him are encouraged to celebrate his life in a way that he would have loved and share the memories and special bonds that some were lucky enough to have with him.
Arrangements were handled by Sumner Funeral & Cremation, Gallatin, Tenn.
