Kenneth Knight Hamilton

On March 3, 2026, at 1:38 pm the gates of Heaven opened to welcome a beloved husband and son, a gentle soul and a man who lived his life showing nothing but kindness and compassion to all who knew him.

Kenny Hamilton was born on January 1, 1956, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida to the late Pearle Knight Hamilton and the late United States Navy Commander Lee Monroe Hamilton. Kenny was blessed to have travelled the world and to have experienced living in so many interesting countries, the first of which was Bahrain where his dad, a Chemical Engineer, served as a petroleum inspector with the Navy. During this time the Hamiltons forged a close relationship with Sheik Mohammed who adored Kenny and gave him his first cowboy suit and a beautiful leather camel saddle.

These years of watching his dad was the inspiration for Kenny to enlist in the U.S. Navy where he served as a torpedo Specialist aboard the U.S.S. Swordfish, SSN -579, a Skate Class nuclear powered submarine serving from 1958-1989 in the Pacific fleet. Kenny’s love of the sea brought so much joy to him while allowing him to serve his country, a service he did with unparalleled honor and dignity. As an 18-year-old enlistee, Kenny graduated first in his submarine class. He once considered becoming a Navy Seal but chose to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Upon leaving the Navy, Kenny returned to Rome, Georgia where he spent many years with his family. Kenny continued his career working for Georgia Kraft as a Parts Manager. It was during this time that he reconnected with Melissa Pyle, his “Missy”, who became the love of his life. In 1986 Kenny relocated to Clearwater, Florida to care for his parents and accept a position at IT&T Paradigm working in corporate security. When the opportunity arose to move to Climax, Georgia, his mother’s birthplace, he relocated to accept a position with Bainbridge College where he received his A.S. degree in Criminal Justice. Along with his post-secondary credential, Kenny was also a member of the 1974 Class of Darlington School.

In 2009, Kenny and Missy were reunited and married on July 10, 2010, at a beautiful sunset wedding at Clearwater Beach, Florida. For fifteen years, they made so many unforgettable memories, went on fun “adventures” as Kenny called them, and forged the love of a lifetime.

Missy always saw the goodness and kindness in her Kenny who was a man of great integrity, kindness and compassion. His boyish smile, beautiful eyes and his love of life made him a truly special human being. Though his time in this life was cut short at the age of 70, his legacy of bringing light, joy, and love to this world will never be forgotten.

Left to grieve his loss and to celebrate his life and sweet heart is his beloved wife, Melissa Pyle-Hamilton, and many friends who truly loved him.

Melissa wishes to thank their family and friends who have and continue to surround her with so much love during this sorrowful time. Melissa also wishes to thank the many physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare staff at Piedmont Hospital in Cartersville who cared for him during this unexpected illness.

A graveside service will be held on March 10, 2026, at 12:30pm in Floyd Memory Gardens in Rome. American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard will be presenting military honors.

Flowers will be accepted as will memorial contributions in Kenny’s name to the Disabled American Veterans.

Daniel’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Kenny Hamilton.