Rev. William E. Hamilton, Sr.

Rev. William E Hamilton Sr. (Fr. Bill) became a recent and inductee into the fullness of God’s Kingdom of Heaven, passing away on March 27, 2019.   Born December 16, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA to Frederick and Mildred Hamilton (both deceased).  He was pre-deceased by his brother Fred Hamilton and is survived by Charlotte, his wife of 58 years; sisters Flossie Abbott Hamilton, and Jean Reimschussel; his children: Bill Jr. (Chris Clark); Donald (Michelle) and Nicole. His grandchildren: Andrew, Austin, Brent, Dakota; and step grandchildren: Nathan, Dustin, Geo, Sandra, great grandchild: Melody as well as many nieces and nephews.

 Fr. Hamilton graduated from Lexington Kentucky Theological Seminary where he was ordained as an Episcopal Priest January 1977.  Fr Hamilton served as a Priest at St. Michael’s, Lexington, Ky.; St. David’s, Pikeville, Ky.; St. James, Prestonsburg, Ky.; All Saints, Cold Springs, Ky.; St. Martins in the Field, Pompano Beach, Fl and St. Andrews, Lake Worth, Fl. where in January of 2006 he retired as their priest after 19 years.  Although officially retired he remained a supply priest in Florida up until just a couple of years ago for St. Johns, Lake Worth; St. Johns, Belle Glade; Holy Nativity, Pahokee. 

  Fr. Hamilton wasn’t afraid to try reaching out in creative ways to anyone, with his faith. He visited prisons, hospitals and even employed the homeless from time to time.  While at St. Andrew’s Fr. Hamilton was one of the first in his diocese to allow the LGBTQ community to worship on a regular basis. 

  Fr. Hamilton throughout his lifetime volunteered his time often, including Kairos Prison Ministry.  He served on the Executive Board of JFK Hospital (6 yrs); St. Andrews/ St. James Residence Board (19 yrs.) and continued to serve on the Clinical Ethics Committee after he left his board position. 

  Fr. Hamilton will be missed for the many jokes he told, his big bear hugs and unconditional love to anyone and everyone.  He will be missed for his God given wisdom that he shared with his congregations, friends and any stranger that would listen.  Above all his family will dearly miss him.

 There will be a Celebration of Life Service held at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church located at 3300A South Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach FL on June 29, 2019 at 2:00pm.  

 In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contribution be made to St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church at the above address; and indicate on the contribution:  For Fr. Bill’s Ministries