WENDELL HOLMES HAMRICK, JR.

1934-2018

Wendell Holmes Hamrick, Jr. (Shorty) passed away peacefully in Austin, TX on March 19, 2018. Shorty was born in Houston, Texas on June 4, 1934. His young life was exciting as he and his family moved to Philadelphia for his father’s surgical residency and then on to the construction of the Mansfield (Marshall Ford) Dam for his father’s employment as the on-site physician for Brown and Root. By age 5, he was settled in Houston, where the family remained.

After graduating from Lamar High School, Houston, in 1952, Shorty continued his education at THE RICE INSTITUTE (now Rice University). After graduation and thinking that a career in medicine was for him, Shorty enrolled in the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston. However, after three years Shorty decided this was not his career path. He then joined the Naval Air Force, where he completed basic training as a Naval Aviator at Coronado, California, and where he developed his love of sailing. During his time in the Naval Airforce, Shorty was also stationed in Pensacola, Florida. Upon completion of his military duty, Shorty became a pilot for Delta Air Lines and enjoyed a long and productive career, retiring as Captain of the L-1011 in 1995. Throughout his life, sailing and friendships were his focus. Many friends and family enjoyed sailing adventures on the Hard Times and previous sailboats throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean. Racing to Mexico with nephews Ben and Eric Moreland was a highlight for all of them.

Shorty was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Wendell Holmes Hamrick, his mother, Thelma Valentine Hamrick and his sister Vila Janet Hamrick. He is survived by his sister Emily Hamrick Moreland, nephews William Benjamin Moreland, Eric Wendell Moreland and niece, Janet Lyn Moreland Blair; their spouses, Wendy Moreland, Kay Moreland and Brit Blair; and grandnieces, Lindsay Moreland Pistor, Kelsey Moreland, Gracie and Georgia Moreland and Ellie and Perry Coburn. Shorty is also survived by his former wife and devoted companion, Diana Smith Hamrick.

The family will be planning a “Fair Winds and Following Seas” celebration of his life soon and will be in touch with friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.