James D. Hamilton, Sr.

Mr. James Dalton Hamilton, Sr., 80, of Martin died Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at his home.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at McCabe United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Parham Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at noon on Monday at the church.

James was born on November 20, 1943, to Frank Wayne and Bettye Mae Hamilton (The only child born to this union).  He grew up in Dresden, Tn. and attended Turner Ward School 1st – 8th grade, and The Weakley County Training School in Martin, Tn.

James had three siblings: Payton Leon Evans, 2 siblings: Earnest Wayne Evans, and Matter Mae Ellison preceded him in death.

James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized by Rev. John E. Lewis. He was a member of the Senior Choir, McCabe Trustees, United Methodist Men, and McCabe Male Chorus. He attended Sunday School faithfully where he enjoyed the teachings of all the teachers especially his grandson, Sedrick & Dr. Darlene Eason.

James was a member of Jacksonville Lodge #50 in South Fulton, Tn.

In 1957 while attending Weakley County Training School, there he met the love of his life, Clara Jones . They were married at a very young age. Their marriage weathered the storm for 60+ years until her passing. To this union five beautiful children were born.

James often said that he credited Joe Louis Crutchfield with helping him to get his first job working with Monroe Terry as a “brick toter”. Other jobs followed: Argo Collier, The Box Factory, Milan Army Ammunition Plant, and Vowell & Sons. In February 1969 he began working at Good Year Tire & Rubber Company in Union City, Tn. He retired April 1, 2003, after 34 years. After retiring from Good Year, he worked for a year at Chapel Ridge Apartments in Martin until construction was completed, after-which, he busied himself with his rental properties, yard work, going to Church, and spending time with family and friends. James loved to eat. He loved Clara’s cooking and to him no one could cook as good as her.

He leaves to cherish his memories: three sons: Rev. James Hamilton, Jr. (Diedre) of Paris, Tn., Roland Hamilton of Martin, Tn. and Russell Stray (Erica) of Hickman, Ky.; three daughters: Cheryl Hamilton, Anita Hayslett (Jerry) of Martin, Tn and Chevelle Lewis (David Earl) of Knoxville, Tn.; a daughter at heart, Tonyua Vonner, Martin, Tn.; a brother, Payton L. Evans (Lula); a brother in-law, Gene Jones of Martin, Tn.; three sisters in-law: Kathy Vincent of Martin, Tn., Earnestine and Martha Ann Dobbins of Nashville, Tn.; two sisters in-law at heart: Barbara Bell (Donnie), Bossier City, La. and Wilsie Moorehead, Oklahoma City, Ok.; sixteen grandchildren & sixteen great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and his best friend for many years, Mr. Terry Smith of Union City, Tn. The “Best” neighbors: Rev. & Mrs. Dan Donaldson & Daniel Nappo & Chara Horn.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110