Earl was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended public school and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. After learning how to become a professional painter at trade school, he made a living as a painter throughout Columbia. “Bay Boy” was known for his vast knowledge of “The Word of God”. In fact, he led devotion while at the Tucker Center. He was also known for being humorous and light-hearted. Earl was a strong-willed man who was not easily defeated by life’s challenges.  

In his later years, he spent most of his time with his Tucker Center family, where he was loved and cared for by the staff. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Hogan; his mother, Elizabeth Hogan; his brothers: Walker and John Hogan; and sisters, Dorothy Hogan and Brenda Jackson. He leaves his son, Johnathan Hammond; sisters, Willie Belle Cawthon and Mary H. Dessausure; brother Lincoln Hogan; and a host of nieces and nephews.