Wade H. "Hamp" Gaylord, Jr.

Lexington-Wade H. “Hamp” Gaylord, Jr., 86, went to heaven on the morning of Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Hamp was born on February 24, 1935 in Sumter, SC to the late Wade H. and Annie Mae Riles Gaylord. He grew up in Sumter where he met the love of his life, Frances L. Hinson and they were married on August 7, 1954.

Mr. Gaylord was a very hard working husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family unconditionally. He painted houses during the day, played music at night, and served in the Army National Guard to provide for his family.

Hamp’s strong faith in God was a big part of who he was and he told everyone about Jesus. He enjoyed attending services at New Life Community Church, Christian Life Church or watching Jimmy Swaggart on TV.

Hamp was an amazing life long guitarist. His children grew up in a house filled with music, but he was humble about his talent and adventures. He had to be coaxed to talk about the time that Webb Pierce and Dottie West wanted him to go on the road but he turned down that opportunity because his wife was expecting their first child. Or the time that Mae Axton, who was a music promoter and co-writer of the song, “Heartbreak Hotel” had arranged for Hamp and his band to appear on The Glenn Reeves show. Hamp said, that when he and the band got to Ms. Axton’s house, she told Hamp “Elvis just left here this morning, you can take his room.” Over the decades, he played guitar in bands such as The Devistias and Bill Williams and The Playboys at places like The Skyline Club, The Whip, The Ponderosa, and the Riverboat and he enjoyed every minute of it. Hamp rooted for the Gamecocks, was a huge Gunsmoke fan and cheered for his three favorite tennis players: Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, but mostly he loved his family.

Hamp is survived by his children, Deborah Harmon, Terry Atwood (Freddy), and Chris Gaylord (Alicia) all of Lexington; grandchildren, Adam Harmon, Haley Smola (Anthony), Hudson Gaylord, Noah Gaylord, Selah Gaylord, Shawn Atwood (Sara), Brian Atwood, Lexie Kamenszky, and Bella Kamenszky; and 2 great-grandchildren, Grace Atwood and Eleanor Smola; special brother-in-law and best friend, Frank Hinson (Leu); precious aunt, Ollie Mae Meeks; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will always love and miss him.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Frances Gaylord; sister, Hazel Lounes; son-in-law, Edwin Harmon; daughter-in-law, Pamela Gaylord; and special-in-laws and best friends, Alice and Don Thompson.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel. Burial will follow at Lexington Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

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