John W. Hamilton

John Whitaker Hamilton was born on July 24, 1925 in Thorn, Mississippi to John David and Oye Marie (Whitaker) Hamilton. He passed from this life on February 27, 2013 in Longview, Texas surrounded by family. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was an integral part of 5 of 7 Pacific invasions during the war. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Memphis State University and a master's degree from the University of Mississippi. He married the love of his life, Julia "Judy" Bailey on September 7, 1947. In 1957 he moved his family from Alabama to Tampa, Florida where he resided until 2007. While in Tampa, John was a faithful member of the University Church of Christ. He was an educator for over 50 years serving as a teacher, head of the Business Education Department, and the Athletic Business Manager for Hillsborough High School. He later served as the Dean of Students at Tampa Bay Vocational Technical High School. In his later years John taught at the Erwin Technical Center. He also spent many years as a highly regarded basketball official. After leaving Tampa, John split his time between Oxford, MS with his daughter and Longview, TX with his son. Preceding him in death were his loving wife of almost 50 years, Judy Hamilton; brothers Clinton Hamilton and Ray Hamilton; and sister Margaret Boyd. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Brunck and husband Bob of Oxford, MS; son John Terry Hamilton and wife Jerri of Longview, TX; grandchildren Terri Moreton and husband Michael; Brett Hamilton; Robert Brunck and wife Courtney; Leah Riley and husband Thomas; great-grandchildren Luke Riley; Eli, Eden, and Asher Brunck. John touched many lives during his time as an educator and was always a fine example of a loving, Godly man. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his Lord and Savior above all else. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 6 at 1:00 PM with the Funeral Service following at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home.