Raymond Percy Hammie was born on November 16, 1926 in the Bronx, New York to Percy Hammie and Gladys Hawkins. He passed away on April 30, 2016 at Melech Hospice House in Tampa, Florida surrounded by a loving family. Raymond was a United States Army veteran of World War II and proudly served with the 369th Infantry Regiment.
The 369th Infantry Regiment, formerly known as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment, was an infantry unit of the United States Army National Guard that saw action in WWI and WWII. The Regiment consisted of African American and African Puerto Ricans and was known for being the first African American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during WWI. Before the 15th New York National Guard Regiment was formed, any African American that wanted to fight in the war either had to enlist in the French or Canadian armies. The regiment was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, the Black Rattlers and the Men of Bronze, which was given to the regiment by the French. the nickname “Hell Fighters” was given to them by the Germans due to their toughness and that they never lost a man through capture, lost a trench or a foot or ground to the enemy. The “Harlem Hellfighters” were the first all black regiment that helped change the American public’s opinion on African American soldiers and helped pave the way for future African American soldiers.
A service celebrating the life of Raymond Hammie will take place at Florida National Cemetery at a date to be determined.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
To you and your family, May you have Gods peace in this time of sorrow Love Kareem & Sheryl
To the Hammie Family,
My deepest condolences. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. God bless. Love, Verdi Ashmeade
God’s most excellent love and mercy, comfort and peace to all of your family and fathers friends. I wish I would have met him.
May God give his strength and comfort to the family during this time of sorrow.
Cherish the memories because they last a life time.
May you find comfort in knowing your Dad was loved much & right now is wrapped up in the arms of His LORD! PAIN FREE! God Bless you!
One of God’s finest has gone back to him and surely will be missed. Ray is reunited with his love now and we pray that we, who remain, make it there to see them again. May God’s LOVE surround your family at this time of need.
Dear Ray & Stephanie,
I just heard today about your loss.My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers during this trying time. Much Love Marcia
To you and your family at this most difficult time, I offer my sincerest condolences on your loss. I am so thankful that I got a chance to see Raymond and talk with him last month at a couple of our Resident Appreciation Week festivities. He was a class act and we at the Fountains @ Falkenburg will miss him.
To Stephanie and Ray,
You and your family are in our prayers. May the grace of God give you peace at this time of your loss. May you find comfort in the special times you shared that will forever remain in your heart.
Love & friendship,
The Mcperson’s