Luther Martin Hamilton Jr.

Mr. Hamilton was born on October 12, 1925, in New Albany, Mississippi, to Luther Martin Hamilton, Sr. and Mary Essie Moody Hamilton. After graduating from New Albany High School he enlisted in the United States Army. After his training he shipped out to France in December, 1944 with the 42nd Rainbow Division. He participated in many battles in World War II, including The Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He was a proud veteran of World War II and was able to fly on an Honors Flight in 2013 to Washington D.C., which he greatly enjoyed.

Upon returning from the war he moved to Washington D.C. and worked for the FBI Fingerprinting Division, and attended Strayer College. While there he met the love of his life, Marian Jean Shaffer and they were married on September 9, 1950. In 1952, Luther and his family returned to his hometown of New Albany where he worked as Deputy Sheriff for his father Luther Hamilton, Sr. In 1957, he moved to Jackson, Mississippi, and worked at the Mississippi State Highway Department (MDOT) as Head of Payroll until his retirement in 1987.

Luther was an avid golfer and spent many years playing golf at Live Oaks Golf Club. Luther never met a stranger and was always loved and admired by everyone he met. He was a selfless, honorable man who instilled good Christian values, work ethics, kindness, and abundant love and support to his family. Luther was a faithful member of Wesley Methodist Church in Jackson, and a charter member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Madison where he was involved in Sunday School Class and many other church activities and committees through the years He will always be remembered as a kind, loving son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. To his family, he leaves a legacy of courage, strength, and love of God, country and family which has impacted our lives greatly.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Hamilton Goolsby (John) of Clinton; his son, Luther Martin "Marty" Hamilton, III (Pam) of Canton; five grandchildren, John M. Goolsby, Jr. (Paige) and Christy Goolsby Williamson (Jim) of Clinton, Tracy Hamilton Guess of Canton, Rachel Hamilton Spencer (Andy) of Brandon, and Amanda Hamilton Rayburn (McKay) of LaGrange, Georgia; ten great-grandchildren, Grace, Ella and Maggie Goolsby, Chaney and Jace Williamson, Stevie, Oliver and Wyatt Guess, and Eliza and Cole Spencer.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of fifty years, Marian Shaffer Hamilton; his parents, Luther and Mary Essie Hamilton; and his sisters, Helen Sue Pitts and Margie A. Hamilton.

Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2026 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. Graveside service to follow at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Memorials may be made to St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 7427 Old Canton Rd, Madison, Mississippi 39110.