Terry’s extremely difficult battle with cancer ended Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 78, with his wife, Sheila and son, Paul, by his side.

He was born in Redlands, California and moved many times during his childhood. He graduated from Oceanside High School in 1965 and from LaVerne College in 1978 with a degree in Criminal Justice.

He joined the Air Force security police in 1966 and served in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange which was the cause of his cancers. He was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base after his Vietnam tour and once his tour of duty was complete, he left the Air Force in 1970 for employment with the Bureau of Prisons where he retired in 1997 as a Unit Manager.

Terry was very athletic, he ran many races with his daughter, Maureen, and played weekly racquetball for years as well as basketball. He loved to ride his bike to Solvang. He had a passionate interest in photography and had knowledge of camera gear, lenses, sensors and loved capturing wonderful images of his family and his travels. His favorite holiday was Halloween. He took great pleasure in always grilling our holiday turkeys on his Traeger as well as variety of meats and vegetables.

He attended Lompoc City Council meetings on a regular basis and served on a variety of committees always trying to do his part to encourage the citizens of Lompoc to share their thoughts and engage in local government.

Terry’s first love was his family and his cat Chloe. He spent free time camping with any family member willing to be adventuresome. He was always up for any activity that had him spending time with loved ones. He never refused an Italian meal or Mexican dish; tacos were his favorite. Lemon Meringue pie was always his birthday request.

Terry and Sheila traveled to several countries as well as numerous points of interest in the United States always having tales to tell with anyone who would listen.

He was a wonderful husband, father, a kind, generous and truly gentle man and Sheila’s very best friend for 57 years.

Terry was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and George Hammons, his brother, and only sibling, Kelly Hammons and his daughter, Maureen Hammons.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila, his son Paul Hammons, his niece Jill Fanello Emerson, her husband Mike Emerson and their children, Cole, Morgan, Makenna, and Dean, all of Lompoc.

I will miss you every day for the rest of my life. Your life was a blessing and your memory a treasure.

Per Terry’s wishes, no memorial or funeral services will be held. To honor his memory, I invite you to celebrate Terry’s memory in your own way.