William Clayton Hammers died peacefully at home on March 5, 2018 at the age of 97. He is survived by his relative and caretaker, Whitney McGuigan Moore of Memphis.
Born January 10 , 1921 to Ida and Peyton Hammers of Memphis, TN, Mr. Hammers was a life-long Memphian. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Brust Hammers; father, Peyton Grey Hammers; and brothers, Charles A. Hammers and James G. Hammers; and his wife of 50 years, Vernell Hammers.
Mr. Hammers attended Memphis City Schools and Morningside College. In August of 1943, Mr. Hammers volunteered for the Air Corps and graduated as an Aviation Cadet, Class 45A, 2nd Lt. Pilot. During the World War II, he flew B-25 and B-27 Bombers.
He also served as Commander of the Tennessee Chapter of the Military Order of Foreign Wars in 1987 and was the Commander of the Memphis Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars from 1995 to 1996. Mr. Hammers was a 1996 founding member of the American Air Museum in England.
Mr. Hammers served his Memphis Community as a New Reader of Friends of the Memphis Library and as a member of the the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He worshiped as a member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church and the Lemaster Sunday School Group where he was a pianist. Mr. Hammers hobbies included playing the piano and organ and collecting antiques. He especially enjoyed his association with the Memphis Belle Society.
A private burial and graveside service will be held