John Albert Hammack “Al” died October 24, 2026, surrounded by his family in McGraw Hospice Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Al was born in Tampa, Florida, on July 12, 1937. His parents were the late Carolyn Willis Hammack and James Albert Hammack, Jr. He was predeceased by his only sibling, James Robert Hammack.

Al grew up in Jacksonville and was a graduate of Landon High School where he and his wife, the former Elizabeth “Liz” Lee, began dating. He was a third generation engineering graduate of the University of Florida. Early in his career Al and his father worked together on the cooling system for the Apollo  rocket launchpad. Al was in the ROTC program at UF and served in the U. S. Army after graduation.

As a partner in his engineering firm of Bessent, Hammack and Ruckman, Inc. some projects they completed were: the original Jacksonville Riverwalk, Amelia Island Plantation, and Marsh Landing, Oakbridge, The Plantation and Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach where he built a home for his family where they resided for 45 years.

During his career, Al served as president of the Florida Engineering Society and chairman of the City of Jacksonville  Environmental Protection Board. He was given an honorary degree from the University of North Florida for his work with the Engineering Council and was a charter member of the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Club where he was Membership Chairman for decades and a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the Board of Vicars Landing retirement community in Ponte Vedra Beach for ten years and he and Liz moved there seven years ago.

As a believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior, Al was an active member of Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church where he was an elder, led Bible studies, was on the Prayer Team and sang in the choir. He helped in the construction of their building and oversaw the church plant, Waypoint, in Nocatee.

Al loved his family dearly and his dog Lucy. He enjoyed fishing, the beach, snow skiing, sushi, reading, traveling, the Jacksonville Symphony and was an avid Florida Gator. He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Liz; his three loving daughters, Claire Farnsworth (John), Ponte Vedra Beach, Karen Berkley, Ponte Vedra Beach and Kris Lawrence (David), Erbil, Iraq. His grandchildren are Jessica Reagan (Andrew), Kelsey and Cameron Berkley, Jennifer Huxford (Sam), Sarah Rose (Danny), Bethany Friedman (Greg), Noah Lawrence (Laini), Jared Lawrence (Sarah) and the late MaryBeth Farnsworth. He was blessed with 15 great grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 A. M. Saturday, November 7, 2026, preceding the memorial service at 10:30 A.M. at Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church, 4510 Palm Valley Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a donation to Across Campus Ministry for Sam and Jennifer Huxford, 11155 S.W. 150 Place, Miami. FL 33196.