Frank Nelson Hamilton passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the age of 91. He is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Frank was born on April 8, 1935 in Arkansas, to James Henry Hamilton and Fannie Myrtle Phillips.
Frank did not have an easy start but he persevered and made a wonderful life for his family. Frank attended one day of the 6th grade before leaving school to begin his long career as a truck driver. His dad propped him up on wooden blocks so he could drive a logging truck up and down the mountain at the age of 11. He also worked long hours picking cotton in Dyess, Arkansas. It was here that he met the love of his life Nancy Mae Morris. He tells the story that he saw she was a hard worker, a fast cotton picker, and knew he should marry her. He proposed to Nancy months later in that very cotton field. They went on to enjoy 70 years of marriage, with Nancy passing just two days before what would have been their 71st anniversary.
Nancy and Frank moved to Chicago, Illinois, and eventually raised six children in Wauconda, Illinois. Frank worked hard every day of his life, from picking cotton in Arkansas, to picking blueberries in Michigan; from tending the livestock at the stockyards in Chicago to driving an 18-wheel semi across the country. He retired after many years of driving a garbage truck in the Chicago suburbs where his ability to back the truck in and out of tight spaces was legendary.
After raising their children and years of hard work, they retired and returned to their southern roots, purchasing 10 acres and a house with a big front porch in Blountsville, Alabama. There, they hosted many joyful family gatherings, often with more than 50 people. In 2011, after their beloved home was destroyed by a tornado, they moved to Union Grove, Alabama.
In his later years he and Nancy continued to play highly competitive dominoes everyday, where according to Nancy, if he won it was because she let him win. He loved playing card games, working in his garden, keeping a clean garage, and instructing his grandchildren in how to live and more importantly how to back a truck into tight spaces.
At the end of his life he received exceptional care and companionship from the staff and residents at Bridgewood Gardens and Terrace Lake Assisted Living and his family is grateful for their kindness.
Frank always loved the Lord, and served in his local church; but, it wasn’t until later in his life that he made peace with Jesus, began reading the Bible and understood that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. He began reading the book of Proverbs and remarked that the world would be a whole lot better if people lived their lives according to these good teachings.
Proverbs 10:4-5: Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Surviving Frank’s passing is his son, Larry Hamilton (Mindy); his five daughters, Linda Hamaker, Peggy Kutsch (Fritz), Janet Bernhardt (Bruce), Debby Scott (Jim), and Tami Hamilton; his grandchildren, Tina Hamaker, Tim Kutsch, Jason Kutsch (Amber), Brian Bernhardt (Elise), Kevin Bernhardt (Stephanie), Justin Vanderau (Cassie), Jimmy Hamilton, Jessica Scott, and Courtney Scott; along with many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy, his parents, James Hamilton and Myrtle Chronister, one brother, two sisters, and two grandsons, David and Danny Hamaker.
Frank’s family finds comfort in their deep faith, knowing he is now in Heaven with a strong body once again. They rejoice in his life, grateful for the love, wisdom, and strength he passed down to his family. They considered Proverbs 17:6 to be his legacy: Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Service Information
Services for Frank will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends and guests at a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the service begins at 10:00 a.m. Brother Randy L. Blakely will officiate. Burial will follow at Arab Memorial Cemetery. Flowers and/or donations to Stay Free Ministries are welcomed.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.
