Lee Sayre Hammel 1920 ~ 2008 Lee passed away Nov. 6, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family. Lee was born November 19, 1920 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lawrence F. Hammel and Edith Sayre Hammel. Lee Hammel was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the Navy and Coast Guard and graduated from the University of Utah with Bachelors and Masters degrees. He taught school for over 30 years, beginning in Blanding and Loa, UT and Pioche, NV, and later teaching at Whittier Elementary, South High, and ending his teaching career at East High where he also coached both the girl's and boy's tennis teams. He was a humble, generous, kind, and considerate (if sometimes lovably blunt) man, who enjoyed giving to the community and helping others. Christmas was his favorite holiday and he loved to go to church, sing carols and be with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. During Lee's lifetime he accomplished much in tennis, picking up his first tennis racket at an early age. He met life-long friends playing tennis and starred on the East High and University of Utah tennis teams, which is why he was forever asking people why they weren't wearing his favorite color red. His first date with his wife and soul mate, Ruby, was a game of tennis at the U. He was the Manager and Pro of the Salt Lake Tennis Club in the 50's & 60's. Lee and Ruby ran the Tribune No Champs Tennis Tournament for many years as well as many other Utah and national tournaments. He was inducted into several Halls of Fame for his achievements as an outstanding tennis player and volunteer extraordinaire. He also earned many #1 rankings in Utah and the Intermountain section, and won several national senior tournaments. All of their children are avid tennis players and coaches. He leaves behind his wife Ruby Patricia Bradley Hammel, daughter Carolee Hammel, sons Laury and Brad Hammel, sisters Barbara McKay, Jane Auping, and Edith Belle Fowler, sisters-in-law Beryl Jenkins, Ruth Wilkinson, and Mary Jean Amende, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Many thanks to Hospice care-givers Veronica, Sonja, Joan, Annabella, and granddaughter Vanessa who lovingly cared for Lee. A viewing will be held Wed., Nov. 12, 7-9 p.m. at Mt. View Memorial, 3115 E. 7800 S. The funeral will be on Thurs., Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. at the Holladay United Church of Christ, 2631 E. Murray Holladay Rd. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Holladay United Church of Christ Building Fund or the Crossroads Urban Center. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?n=lee-sayre-hammel&pid=120041105#sthash.hh3hxPN3.dpuf