Johnie Harold Hamilton – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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Johnie Harold Hamilton, of Gardendale, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. He was 96. Mr. Hamilton was born in Detroit, Alabama on November 22, 1920 to Wilton L. and Lela Maude (Collier) Hamilton. He graduated from Hamilton High School and attended Jacksonville Teachers’ College (Jacksonville State University) before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1942. Primarily stationed in the South Pacific, he served in World War II as an Advanced Ordinance Tech Sergeant. On December 13, 1947, he married Nellie Palmer, his wife of 61 years. They settled in Birmingham, Alabama where they raised their family and he worked as a railcar inspector at Burlington Northern (Frisco) Railroad until his retirement in 1986. His philosophy for life was largely influenced by the hardships of growing up in the depression era and his military service as a US Marine. He had strong values about dedication to family, respecting nature, and the significance of hard work. His exemplary life has strongly influenced his family for three generations. As an avid, resourceful gardener, he provided family and friends with delicious homegrown fruits and vegetables for many years. Mr. Hamilton is preceded in death by wife, Nellie Palmer Hamilton, brother, Wilson Bankhead Hamilton, and grandson, Blaine Bradford, and great-grandson, Jedidiah Arendale. He is survived by his children, Don (Janice) Hamilton, Patricia (Larry) Hart, Barbara (Steve) Arendale, and Brenda (Barry) Bradford; grandchildren, Brandon Hart, Allison Hart, Jennifer (Watts) Ueltschey, Chris (Liz) Arendale, Leslie (Hans) Richerzhagen, Patrick (Pam) Hamilton, Philip (Kristen) Hamilton, Benjamin (Erica) Bradford, and Barrett (Abigail) Bradford; and great-grandchildren, Henry, Samantha, Max, George, Mary Jane, Frances, John, and Alice Arendale, Sierra Richerzhagen, Lauren Elizabeth Hart, Erin, Watts, and Mary Ueltschey; several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 P.M on Saturday, January 14, 2017 Marion County Funeral Home in Hamilton, Alabama. A Graveside Service will follow visitation at 1:30 P.M at Rudicell Cemetery in Detroit, Alabama.*

Marion County Funeral Home Directing.

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