Mr. John Wayne "The Duke" Hammontree, age 60, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Wednesday morning, December 10, 2025, at AdventHealth Redmond in Rome, Georgia.

John was born July 29, 1965, in Dalton, Georgia. A master carpenter by both talent and passion, he spent his life building—homes, furniture, beautiful pieces of woodwork, and lasting memories with the people he loved. He was an extremely hard worker who never shied away from a project, and his hands were rarely still unless he was holding one of his grandchildren. He was sweet, generous, funny, a natural jokester, and always ready with a playful flirt or a quick remark that could lighten any moment.

Above all, John cherished his family. His greatest joy came from being "Papaw" to his grandchildren, and he treasured every moment spent with them. He also adored his faithful dogs—his beloved Blue Tick Hound, Daisy; his Pit Bull/Blue Heeler, Toby; and his Boston Terrier, Maggie—who were constant companions and a source of comfort and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Wayne Hammontree, a son, Chris Hammontree, and grandparents, Claude and Dorothy Jane Hammontree, and Doyle and Reba Burke.

He is survived by his mother, Ann Burke Hammontree; his son, Casey and Yuriah Hammontree; his grandchildren, Elijah Hammontree, Baylor Hammontree, and Chessney Hammontree, all of Dalton, GA; sisters, Cathy and Darren Stafford of Crandall, GA, and Patricia "Trish" and Joey Coffey of McCaysville, GA; step-sons, Austin Malijan of Dalton, GA, and Joseph Malijan of Las Vegas, NV; aunts and uncles, Larry Hammontree of Oak Hill, WV, Pam Kizer of Mt. Hope, WV, Joe and Lou Burke of White, GA, Frank and Kelly Burke of Turtle Town, TN, Lucas and Darlene Burke, Alice Seabolt all of Epworth, GA, and Willie and Wanda Burke of McCaysville, GA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. John Wayne Hammontree will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Edwin Puckett officiating. He will be laid to rest with his family at United Memorial Gardens with Travis Presley, Dean Locke, Casey Hammontree, Gary Jones, Joshua Lyles, and Aaron Coffey honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, and after 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the service hour.

Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721.
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