WALTER C. HAMMOND ROCKFORD - Walter C. Hammond was born Feb. 5, 1947, in Macon, Ga., to Harriett L. Hammond and Dan Riggins. Walter passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. He was reared in Sycamore, where he graduated from high school in 1965. In 1967, Walter joined the U.S. Army and upon completion of his military duty he married Katherine Wilson. To this union two children were born, Candace Mae and Walter Edward. Walter later moved to Rockford, where he met and married Barbara J. Charles on May 22, 1999. Together they reared her son, Curtis Rashaad. Upon accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, Walter united with the Providence Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized in 1998, and formerly served in the Male Chorus. During his employment years he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Deans Foods and United Parcel Service. He enjoyed fishing, grilling his BBQ ribs and baking delicious lemon cream pound cakes. Walter leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Barbara; three children; nine grandchildren; two Godsons; sisters, Barbara Black of Rockford and Bernice Hammond of Augusta, Ga.; brother, Larry (Sabrina) Hammond of DeKalb; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Predeceased by parents; one brother; and one sister. Service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 2209 Clifton Ave., with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service; Pastor Decarto Draper will officiate. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore. Arrangements completed by Collins & Stone Funeral Home, 128 S. Fifth St.