John "J.P." Hammond

John "J. P." Hammond, 21, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday December 6, 2012.

Born May 15, 1991 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Mr. Hammond was a 2009 graduate of Excellence Academy. J. P. had played music since the age of 7 and was accomplished on many instruments. A devoted song writer and performer, he composed the Alma Mater for Excellence Academy and enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with his talent in many musical styles. An accomplished writer, he had had some of works published. J. P. faced many challenges in life but his devotion to his love of Jesus Christ never diminished and he constantly shared his faith with others. He was a member of Christ Fellowship Church.

Surviving are his mother, Meredith Gazaway Kirby, Dawsonville; father and stepmother, John P. "Johnny" and Lusi Hammond, Hendersonville, TN; brother, Dakota Bays, Dawsonville; grandparents, Marshall and Gloria Gazaway, Gainesville; great grandfather, Marcus Gazaway, Gainesville; a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Monday December 10, 2012 at 2 o'clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Don Allen, Rev. Ricky Stepp, and Rev. Jeff Hughes will officiate. Interment will follow in Dawsonville Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 6 until 9 and Sunday from 1 until 8 at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.