Elijah Edward Hamilton, Jr.

Elijah Edward Hamilton, Jr. affectionately known as “Hamp” was born October 3rd, 1952, in Sanford, FL to the late Mary E. Hamilton and the late Elijah E. Hamilton Sr. 

He graduated from North Carolina Community College System, Fayetteville, NC.  After graduating, Elijah joined the 82ndAirborne Division (Fort Bragg, NC) of the United States Army.  During his time of service, Elijah served as staff sergeant and asan indirect fire crewman and executive chef during the time of the Vietnam War.  He traveled to Mexico, Turkey, Panama and through the USA.  While in the Army, Elijah earned many awards and medals including National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, MM Badge-M16 Rifle, EXP Badge grenade, 81MM Badge, SS Badge, Geneva Convention, and Basic Airborne.

After his time in the service, Elijah excelled and received a degree and several certifications.  His passion for cooking helped him earn an Associates of Arts in Culinary Art, from Fayetteville State University.  He went on to earn certifications in Business Management, Home Inspection and IRS Tax Preparation.

Elijah worked during his career in a vast number of roles including Medical Administration Service at the Gainesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, H&R Block, Jackson Hewett, and CareerSource North Central Florida Division as the Disabled Veterans Advocate Counselor, where he worked until he retired in 2021.

Elijah was a member of the American Legion #16, Gainesville, FL.  He received many accolades throughout his career for his outstanding service including the Impact Award and Outstanding Service and Support for Alachua County Veterans Community.

Elijah devoted his life to Christ at a very young age and throughout his life.  He was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL.  He later became a visiting member of Kingdom Hall, Jehovah Witness and then returned to his Baptist faith before his death.

Elijah was called home to eternal peace on Friday, July 12, 2024.  He joins his loved ones who proceeded him in death: Mother Mary Hamilton, Father Elijah Hamilton Sr, Sisters: Lula Hamilton, Rosalind Hamilton and Rebecca Hamilton, Brothers: Theodore Hamilton and Rodney Hamilton.

His legacy will forever live on through his wife of 49 years Rita Hamilton of Gainesville, FL, Daughters: Stephanie McShan (Chris) and Rosalynn Hamilton of Apopka, FL.  Son: Stephen Hamilton of Knoxville, TN.  Granddaughters: Taylor McShan, Hunter McShan and Aria Hamilton of Apopka, FL, Grandson: Elias Hamilton of Apopka, FL and God-daughter: Kendra Brown of Gainesville, FL; Uncle Johnny Day of Altamonte Springs, FL

Siblings: 

Brothers: Fred Hamilton, Marvin Hamilton (Maria) and Roderick Hamilton all of Rochester, NY

Sisters: Jean Elizabeth Everson (Herbert) and Jeanett Hamilton all of Rochester, NY

After marriage Elijah gained nine siblings:

Arthur Bolen Jr. (deceased), Ida Mae Walker (deceased), Jeanette Bolen (deceased), Kenneth Bolen Sr. (deceased).  Robert Bolen (Cheryl) Micanopy, FL, Marlene Wiley (James) Micanopy, FL, Cecelia Royal, Fayetteville, NC, Brenda Baker (Charles) Thomasville, GA, Denise Brown and God Sister Roberta Walker of Gainesville, FL

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who love and miss him.

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