Joseph Clarence Hamilton, 98, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Mississippi State VA Nursing Home in Oxford, MS. Born with his twin brother, that died shortly after birth, in Lenox, Georgia. He was born into a large family with 14 brothers and sisters, 4 of which died early at birth. He lived and worked on the farm with his father and family until he entered the Air Force in June 1947.
In the Air Force he was stationed in Japan as a pharmacy technician and often reflected on those days as being the easiest job he had ever had and truly enjoyed his time in service.
After returning home he met Christine, his wife to be, in Georgia while she was working and visiting family. They married in Booneville, Mississippi, Christine’s hometown in 1954. They moved to Tampa, Florida where work was plentiful and to start a family. In Tampa they adopted their children, Rick and Kim, and began family life. Joseph worked 33 years as a machine operator at Lykes Brother’s meat packing plant and retired in 1989. He enjoyed family life, church and fishing. He was a good husband, father, provider and a very humble, devoted Christian. He served in his church in different roles through the years.
Joseph and Christine remained married, until her passing in April of 2013. Joseph and his son Rick moved in together in 2014. Then Joseph was diagnosed with dementia in 2017. In 2020 he and his son Rick moved to Booneville, Mississippi. There Rick took care of Joseph until January 2024 when Joseph was admitted into the Mississippi State VA Nursing Home in Oxford, MS, where he passed from complications of advanced dementia and pneumonia.
Joseph touched many lives and will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his sister, Jeanette Poindexter; his children, Rick and Kim Hamilton; and his grandchildren, Jordan Singletary, along with Kara and Caleb Hamilton.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Christine Hamilton, and his 12 siblings.
A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a future date.
