Charles Barnett Hammond Sr., lifelong citizen of Covington, and much-loved and respected educator, passed away peacefully at his home in Rosedale on January 6, 2013, at the age of 72.

Mr. Hammond was born on February 22, 1940, in Covington along with his twin brother, Howard Revercomb Hammond, to Frank Holloway Hammond Jr. and Pauline Wills Revercomb Hammond.

A graduate of Covington High School, he attended Bridgewater College for one year before transferring to Virginia Military Institute, whence he graduated in 1965. He later received his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Virginia.

After serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army for two years, Mr. Hammond spent the next 33 years teaching in the Covington City school system, 28 years at CHS and five years at Jeter Watson Middle School. While a teacher at CHS, he enjoyed coaching the track and cross-country teams, an activity he continued after his retirement. In recognition of his service, the track at Covington High School was named in his honor in 2007.

An avid photographer all his life, Mr. Hammond enjoyed capturing everything from day to day activities at school to many aspects of local history but, most importantly, his family and friends.

His community memberships included the Alleghany Historical Society, the C&O Historical Society, the Covington Education Association, the Alleghany Retired Teachers Association, and Cub Scout leadership. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Clifton Forge, where he sang in the choir.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Frank H. Hammond III and sister, Rebecca Deyerle Hammond Croft.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Karen Deaton Hammond; one daughter, Lisa Deyerle Hammond, of Alexandria; two sons, Charles Barnett Hammond Jr. and fiance, Libby Rackleff, and Steven Preston Hammond and wife, Alison Drennan Hammond, all of Roanoke; his twin brother, Howard Revercomb Hammond, of Covington; his brother-in-law, Richard Deaton and his wife, Marilyn, their son, Lucian Deaton and his wife, Lauren; and the following nieces and nephews, Robert "Robin" Croft Jr., Susan Croft Scott, Cameron Hammond Carlin, Gavin Willhide, Brook Willhide, Curry Willhide Blanton, Wesley Hammond, and Scott Hammond.

In accordance with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at Central United Methodist Church in Clifton Forge. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 9, from 6-8 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be given to the following: Alleghany Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund, c/o Karen Brown, 1301 Cherokee Place Covington, VA, 24426; Central United Methodist Church Radio Ministry, P.O. Box 16 Clifton Forge, VA 24422, or Mountain Regional Hospice Volunteers P.O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422. To send condolences to the family online, visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com