Joseph Hamilton Jr.

PROFILE OF LIFE “There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Joseph Hamilton, Jr., the son of the late Joseph Hamilton, Sr., and the late Hester Phoenix Hamilton, was born in Bluffton, South Carolina, August 25, 1950. At a young age the family moved to New York where Joseph pursued his education. He graduated from Samuel L. Gompers High School, Bronx, NY and continued his education at Monroe Business College where he earned an Associate Degree in Health Sciences. He was a certified Emergency Management Technician (EMT). He answered the call to duty and joined the Air Force. Serving from February 3, 1971 to February 2, 1974 and retiring as a Sergeant. His duty Stations included: Lackland Air force Base, Lackland, Texas, Robbins Air Force Base in Warner Robbins, GA. and a tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan. In 1981, Joseph returned to his native home, Bluffton, South Carolina. He confessed Christ as his personal Savior was baptized and joined the First Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of former pastor, Rev. Tyrone B. Beckett. He served faithfully, even during times of ill health. His employment history includes landscaping and maintenance work at several locations in the Bluffton and Hilton Head Island communities. They include: Rose Hill Plantation Golf Course Maintenance, Ocean Wood Landscaping and Moss Creek Plantation. He was also a member of the dietary staff of Hilton Head Island Hospital. Joseph was an avid reader and loved all sports, his favorite was baseball. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Hamilton, Sr. and Hester Phoenix Hamilton and his God Mother Daisy Major. In the quiet of the evening, Wednesday, December 13, 2017, God softly whispered, my child it is time to come home. Joseph gently closed his eyes and entered into eternal rest. Those left to cherish his memory are two brothers: Michael Edward Hamilton (Selma) of NY, NY; and Robert Lee Hamilton (Holly) of Bluffton, SC. Three Sisters: Ethelmae Cohen (James) of Bluffton, SC; Patricia A. Bassett (Glen) of MT. Vernon, NY and Deborah Lynn Hemmings (Solomon) of Bluffton, SC. One Aunt: Deaconess Ethel Phoenix Brown, Bluffton, SC Two Aunts In-law: Etta Phoenix and Martha Phoenix, both of Bluffton, SC Five (5) Nephews and Three (3) Nieces Best Friend: Mack Wiggins, Ridgeland, SC Special Cousin: Mary Fields, Bluffton, SC And a host of cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton and from 10:30 until 11:30 am, Friday, December 22, 2017 at First Zion Baptist Church, Bluffton. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am, Friday, December 22, 2017 at First Zion Baptist Church, Bluffton with burial at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC.