Ray Donald Hamilton

On March 19, 2024 Ray Donald Hamilton, Sr., 90, of Theodore, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home. Ray was born on July 13, 1933 to Gertrine Moody Hamilton (deceased) and Murray Hamilton (deceased) in Theodore, Alabama. Ray left school at an early age and began working to help support his family. Ray joined the U.S. Army in 1953 and served in the Army and Army National Guard for a total of 30 years. He entered as a Private and reached rank of Corporal during his service. Ray loved his country and was proud to serve. In 2022, Ray was honored with a Quilt of Valor for his service during the Korean Conflict. Ray worked for Brookley field in the early 1950s, and then worked for Regan & Company for many years as a commercial laundry equipment repair technician. In 1983, Ray opened Hamilton’s Repair Service and served many local clients until his retirement. Not one to be idle, Ray continued to work on anything mechanical, enjoyed his outdoor activities, and volunteered at South Bay Food Pantry. Ray met the love of his life, Arlene Hamilton (Palmer) in Theodore and they married in 1953. Ray was a devoted husband and father. He loved his wife of 70 years with all of his heart and together they built a beautiful life. Ray and Arlene had four children, Rachael Hamilton Smith (Jerry), Ray Donald “Don” Hamilton, Jr. (Debby), Lisa Anne Hamilton Brooks (deceased), and Holly Hamilton McLellan (Randy). Ray had four grandchildren, Michael Paul Smith, Casey Smith Driver (Randy), Melissa Anne Ezelle (Joey), and Ray Donald “Donnie” Hamilton, III (Tera). Ray had eight great grandchildren, Michael Paul “Mikee” Smith, Jr., Andrew Kole Allen, Ashley Nicole Allen, Emma Katherine Smith, Cyrus Blake Allen, Samuel Colt Hamilton, Elizabeth Anne Ezelle, and Mary Catherine Ezelle. Ray raised his family to know unconditional love, the importance of family time, dedication & loyalty, the importance of hard work, of having fun together, and he went to church with them every Sunday. He sacrificed so they could have what they needed, they wanted, and more. Ray’s family was his joy and he loved them well. Ray had one sister, Daisy Hamilton McKay (deceased), a sister-in law, Shelvia Jean Harrison, and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Ray was a lifelong member of Magnolia Springs Baptist Church. He loved his Lord and Savior and his church family. Ray was also a Free and Accepted Mason and member of George U. Potter Lodge No. 912 where he was Past Master. In June of 2015, Ray was recognized for 50 years of faithful service as a member of the lodge. Ray was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He raised his family camping, boating, skiing and enjoying adventures together. He also had many friends that he enjoyed spending time with at the hunting camp through the years. Ray had an extraordinary sense of humor and loved to laugh and make others laugh. He loved to spin a good tale. Services will be held at Magnolia Springs Baptist Church on Friday, March 22. The family will receive friends for visitation at 1:00 pm with a service following at 2:00 pm.

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Ray Donald Hamilton

July 13, 1933 - March 19, 2024