Raymond Hamilton

Raymond Scott Hamilton 39, passed away September 25, 2010 at 5:01 am after a long, courageous, and inspirational battle with esophageal cancer, which he was diagnosed with on February 26, 2008. After 28 days of radiation therapy, several rounds of chemotherapy, and 2 surgeries, the cancer was non-detectable using a CT scan. Unfortunately, the cancer recurred in the lining of the stomach in June 2009 and was diagnosed as terminal. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Lee Hamilton, and three sons, Raymond Bradley Hamilton 17, William Brandon Hamilton 15, and Cameron Braxton Hamilton 4, all of the home in Midland, North Carolina; his mother, Hazel Hamilton Kennedy, and special dad, Garland Oferal Kennedy, of St. Paul, Virginia. Sister: Melissa Ann Jones, St. Paul, Virginia Brother: Stacey Wayne Hamilton, and wife Christina, of Boone, North Carolina. Nieces: Kelsey Brooke Hamilton, Lillan Ava-Marie Jones, Anna Gilley Nephews: Mason Reese Hamilton, Harrison Brock Jones, Thomas Gilley, Kristian Rasnake. Scott was a devoted dad, a loving husband, a good son, a generous and giving gentleman, and a true friend to those that knew him both within the Brotherhood of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and those outside of the Brotherhood. He sincerely loved his entire family and friends with all of his heart and would do anything for anyone at anytime. He thoroughly enjoyed the tunes of the amazing recording artist, Jimmy Buffet, whose songs just enlightened his spirit. In fact, he loved most music, with the exceptions of classical, rap, or extremely heavy metal. He loved doing jigsaw puzzles and thought this was a great activity for the entire family! Scott graduated with honors (GPA 3.3 on a 4.0 scale) from St. Paul High School in St. Paul, Virginia, in 1988 with the assistance of some great teachers, administration, and staff. To everyone affiliated with St. Paul High School between 1984 and 1988, he sends a special thank you for the high quality and level of education he received because of your instruction, guidance, and leadership and well as for maintaining a safe environment for learning! He went on to pursue his collegiate career at Radford University (RU) in Radford, Virginia, in the fall of 1988. He graduated in 1992 with a degree in Human Resource Management. While at RU, he had an amazing time and met many new and amazing friends. He was honored and privileged to pledge his life to the Sigma Chi Fraternity, the greatest Fraternity in the world, whereby the organization gave him favor and distinction. He loved Sigma Chi with his entire being and often spoke highly of his beloved Fraternity! He was a stranger to no one and befriended almost all he came into contact with. Those enduring personal friendships he was able to cultivate and maintain were a lifelong devotion and commitment to him. He did his best to foster those cherished friendships through the years! His spirit will continue to live on through those that he impacted during his life. A special thanks to the Midland Community to which he played a large part, being a board member on the Bethel Athletic Association for many years. As well as a Coach and a volunteer in the community to which he loved and admired so greatly. He respected the community and loved the children no matter their backgrounds. Please remember that is life is about quality as well as guarantee and you make of it as you wish. Dream big, dream a lot. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 28, 2010, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home, Midland. Services will follow in the Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Tom Gibbs and Rev. Sid Martin will officiate. Burial will be Wednesday, September 29, in Temple Hill Cemetery, Castlewood, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raymond Scott Hamilton Fund, c/o Hartsell Funeral Home, P. O. Box 100, Midland, NC 28107.