- Date Of Birth: September 27, 1951
- Date Of Death: October 29, 2022
- State: Alabama
John Edward Hamilton’s earthly journey began on September 27th, 1951 to the parents of Joe Hamilton and Gracie Hardy Hamilton in Shelby County, Alabama. At an early age John accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with Coosa Valley Baptist Church, Vincent, Alabama. John was affectionately known by family and friends as “Tony”.
Tony received his formal education in the Shelby County School System and was a graduate of Vincent High School, class of 1970. After completing school Tony enlisted in the United States Army for a short term.
Along Tony’s life’s journey, he met and united in holy matrimony to Ms. Ruby Nell Garrett of Alpine, Alabama, and to this union one baby girl was born, and they named her Tonica.
In the late 70’s Tony had a love for music and became an inspiring disc jockey (DJ). Throughout his career of being a DJ, it inspired him to open Tony’s Disco, which became one of the most popular spots in Shelby County. He hosted many concerts, live Remotes, birthday parties, family reunions, etc. Tony’s Disco became one of the hang out spots after soft ball games and other local activities. While operating Tony’s, he organized and coached Tony’s Disco Softball Team.
Tony was an advocate for helping others and exploring ways to bring positive change to his community. In the late 80’s Tony became the President of the Shelby County Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and marched with Jesse Jackson, the late John Nettles and the late Dr. Joseph Lawery. He was a great assistant to establishing Park 1 located in Vincent, Alabama.
Tony was known to be a sharp dresser and known for his warm affectionate smile. His selfless contribution to his family and community was greatly appreciated and will always be remembered.
Tony departed this walk of life on October 29, 2022, under the care of Hospice of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Gracie Hamilton, his brothers, Joe W. Hamilton, Dennis Hamilton, Andre Hamilton, Rev. Ronnie Hamilton, and Billy McGraw, sisters, Janice Hamilton and Faye McKenzie.
His love will forever be cherished by his loving daughter, Tonica Hamilton of Vincent, AL; brothers, Earnest Terry (Cherry) Hamilton of Pell City, AL, Jimmy Dale (Michele) Hamilton and Jackie Hamilton both of Harpersville, AL; sister in law, Waynetta McGraw of Jacksonville, FL; three aunts, Catherine Davis of Detroit, MI, Dorothy Hardy and Stella Hardy of Vincent, AL; one uncle, James “Jay” Hardy of Vincent, AL; two special nephews, Olando Robertson and Desmond Yowe, special friend, Larry Garrett; and a host of other relatives and friends.
