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Robert Lee "Buc" Hammer II passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Born on Dec. 28, 1947, in Elkins, West Virginia, he was the cherished son of the late Robert "Bob" Hammer and Rose Varchetto Hammer.
Buc leaves behind his devoted son, Brant; special daughter-in-law, Alex; and precious grandson, Miles.
He is also survived by the mother of his son, Becky Hammer; his sisters, Gae Donna Green of Wilmington, North Carolina, Jenneth Zimmermann and her husband, Rudy, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Susie Higgins and her husband, Bob, of Elkins. He was a beloved uncle to nephews, Sam and Andrew Green, Jason and Travis Zimmermann, and John Higgins.
Along with his parents, Buc is proceeded in death by his brother-in-law, Sam Green.
A proud 1965 graduate of Elkins High School, Buc excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball and track. He earned letters in baseball, track and football and showcased his leadership as the captain of the football team, playing fullback during his senior year.
Following high school, Buc furthered his education at Davis and Elkins College, graduating in 1972. Professionally, Buc devoted over two decades to Davis Memorial Hospital, serving in roles as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer. Throughout his tenure, he was pivotal in the creation of Buckhannon Medical Care, Tucker Community Care, the Davis Cancer Center and the Davis Women's Care Center. Furthermore, Buc played a central role in two modernization projects at Davis Memorial and was instrumental in the construction of the new Broaddus Hospital.
Beyond his professional accomplishment, Buc's commitment to the community and the state was steadfast. From 1985 to 1998, he was an integral part of the West Virginia Hospital Association, serving in various roles including a member of the Board of Directors and was the Chairman of the Board in 1998.
Locally, Buc was honored as the Volunteer of the Year by the Elkins Little League Association and named Member of the Year by the Tygart Valley Lions Club. His leadership roles further included positions on the Board of Directors for the Elkins YMCA and as a member of the Elkins/Randolph Chamber of Commerce. Buc's dedication to the public was unyielding. In 2021, he emerged from retirement to work with his sister, Susie, once again and to offer his vast expertise as a business coach for the WV Small Business Development Center. In this final professional chapter, Buc was deeply committed to supporting new and existing entrepreneurs in the Potomac Highland region.
Buc was a lifelong resident of Elkins. In his spare time, Buc enjoyed traveling, especially to Montana and Yellowstone National Park, where he loved to fly fish. He was a passionate supporter of West Virginia Mountaineer football and basketball, and an avid golfer who loved playing, watching, and discussing the sport. Buc was a talented cook, known for his famous spaghetti and meatballs and chili. He also enjoyed driving sports cars on mountain roads and collecting historic gold and silver coins. Above all, Buc loved spending time with his family.
A celebration of Buc's life will take place on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at the Scott Hill Event Center located at 2000 Livingston Avenue, Elkins, WV.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
At 7 pm, Deacon Raymond Godwin of St Brendan Catholic Church will officiate a scripture service, and after, the family warmly invites attendees to share and reminisce during "Buc's Story Time." Guests are encouraged to wear casual, comfortable attire in honor of Buc's down-to-earth nature.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the following organizations, Izaak Walton League, P. O. Box 1891, Elkins, WV 26241 or Tygart Valley Lions Club, 3154 Seneca Trail, Beverly, WV 26253 in memory of Buc. Your contributions will honor Buc's legacy and continue his commitment to the causes he deeply cared about.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Robert Lee "Buc" Hammer II.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.