Dr. Thomas Clay Hammack, Jr. 72, of Pace, FL, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016.

Dr. Hammack was born in Meridian, MS on September 5, 1944. He received a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University in 1966; Doctor of Medicine from the University of Mississippi in 1970 and Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975.

He was a Pediatrician and District Director of Public Health for Mississippi State Board of Health for 35 years.

Dr. Hammack enjoyed hiking, reading, running and photography. He was a member of the Sierra Club and the North Carolina University Alumni Association. He received numerous awards and recognitions for accomplishments in the medical field.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, Physician and friend. He leaves a legacy of service, dedication and love of family.

Dr. Hammack was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Clay Hammack and Agnes Ansley Cambell.

Dr. Hammack is survived by his wife, Paulette Crowdus; children, Carolyn Fierro (Peter) and Melanie Friend (Michael); grandchildren, Cade Fierro, Jonah Fierro, Gavin Fierro, Dominic Fierro, Jackson Friend and Elijah Friend; brothers, John Hammack and Curry Hammack.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 from 10:00 am until the Funeral Mass begins at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart with Msgr. Michael Reed officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum.

Active Pallbearers will be: Peter Fierro, Michael Friend, John Hammack, Curry Hammack, Cade Fierro and Jonah Fierro.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Gavin Fierro, Dominic Fierro, Jackson Friend and Elijah Friend.

Special thanks for all those who were involved in Clay's journey home and our family and friends.