William Otha Hamilton

Bill Hamilton had a big presence and loved being the center of attention. He was always sharing his “words of wisdom.” He told fascinating stories, most of them true and a few of them embellished for his listener’s benefit. He loved poetry, reciting poems and leaving written notes with lines of poetry for his loved ones. He loved telling jokes and he kept his uncanny sense of humor until the very end. He was a generous man, and their home was a place where friends and family facing challenges could take refuge. It is difficult to imagine a world without him in it. His funny, kind, and loving soul will be missed significantly, but knowing that he is now with Jesus brings his family peace. William (“Bill”) Otha Hamilton, 90, of Summerville, left his earthly pain behind and went to be with Jesus on December 5th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in Lexington, Kentucky to John and Mary (Timberlake) Hamilton. In 1951, he enlisted in the Air Force. Bill served 20 years before retiring, during which he served in Vietnam and Korea and was awarded several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a loadmaster (technical sergeant, E6) and saw many parts of the world during his military service. He and his wife, Nancy, settled in Summerville upon Bill’s retirement from the Air Force, with their two children, Billie Jo and Larry. He attended Trident Technical College in the late 1970s. He went on to work the remainder of his career at Buchanan Mazda Volkswagen, which later became Stoke Volkswagen, becoming service manager before retiring when he was 80. Though committed to his career, family was always his priority through the years. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Hamilton; 4 brothers, Donald (“Don”), Charles Eugene (“Gene”), John (“Buck”), and Robert (“Sharpie”) Hamilton; and a sister, Betty Brewer. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy (Herme) Hamilton; daughter, Billie Jo Guyton (Robert); son, Larry Hamilton; grandchildren Ashli Guyton Lynde (Brandon), Fallon Guyton Campbell (Casey), Kimberly Heaton, and Eric Hamilton (Sarah); and great-grandchildren Grady and Liza Lynde, Marissa and Chloe Heaton, and Gibson Hamilton. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Revelee, Sharon Ferderer, Kathy McKaskey, Christine Carr, Evelyn McCreary, Carol Jackowski, Judy Williams, and Roxanne Booth. A visitation will be held at James A. Dyal Funeral Home, 303 South Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483, on December 13th, 2024, at 10:30 am, followed by a service at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to Lutheran Hospice Lowcountry or Tri-County Veterans Support Network in memory of Bill.

William Otha Hamilton

February 3, 1934 - December 5, 2024