A Life of Faith, Family, and the Great Outdoors

In Loving Memory of Johnny Hamilton

With heavy hearts, but comfort in knowing he is resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior, we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Papaw, Johnny Hamilton, who went home to be with Jesus on October 26, 2026. Johnny was a man of unwavering faith, deep devotion to his family, and a lifelong love for the great outdoors. Above all else, he loved the Lord. Family was the heart of Johnny’s world. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and treasured Papaw. His love was steady, genuine, and unconditional, shown through the countless ways he cared for those closest to him. His family was his greatest blessing, and the memories he created will be cherished for generations.

We lost, and Heaven gained, one of the finest hunters and fishermen you could ever know. Johnny found his greatest enjoyment in the woods and on the water, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. In his prime, he was known to many as one of the best bass fishermen around, winning countless bass fishing tournaments. If there was a hole of water he could get to, he could catch a bass. When asked, “Where do you catch 'em?” his reply was always, “Right in the roof of the mouth!” Later in life, hunting became Johnny’s favorite outdoor passion. He spent most days checking his trail cameras and putting out corn for the deer. He looked forward to hunting season, especially Opening Day, all year long. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies; they were a way of life and a part of who he was.

Although Johnny was not afforded the opportunity to finish school as a child, he was one of the most talented and resourceful men you could ever meet. A self-taught carpenter, electrician, mechanic, farmer, and a man of countless other abilities, there was simply nothing Johnny couldn’t build, fix, or figure out. He was living proof that wisdom and talent are not measured by a diploma. Johnny never met a stranger, and once he met you, he never forgot you or your name. He considered everyone a friend. One of his favorite daily routines was going to Walmart, not necessarily to shop, but to see who he might run into. He loved catching up on current news, reminiscing about old times, and sharing stories with friends, both old and new. Johnny found happiness in life’s simplest blessings. His greatest treasures were his faith, his family, his friendships, and the outdoors he loved so dearly.

Family and Loved Ones

Johnny was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Joyce Hamilton; his parents, Loyce and Mary (Lizzie) Hamilton; his parents-in-law, Lonnie and Pearl Barham; his siblings, Lurlene Hamilton, Mary Botkins, Franklin Hamilton and wife Jo, Jimmy Hamilton and wife Sheila, Dale Hamilton and wife Gracie, and Margaret Kelley and husband Roland; and his brothers-in-law, Jerry Barham and Jimmy Dale Barham.

He is survived by his beloved dog, Wendy; sons, Stacy Hamilton of Camden, Arkansas, and Tim Hamilton and his wife, Kim, of Farmersville, Texas; his grandchildren, Kathleen Hamilton of Cottonwood, Arizona, Skye Jackson and her husband, Sylvester, of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Hailey Bernal and her husband, Luis, of Farmersville, Texas; his great-grandchildren, Evie Jackson, Annie Jackson, and Carlos Hamilton; and his sister, Linda Hodnett of Camden, Arkansas.

He also leaves behind his lovingly “adopted” daughter, Angela Hopkins, and granddaughter, Kambria Hopkins. Special thanks to them for their love, companionship, and the time they spent with Johnny during these last several years. He loved you both so much. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends.

Although our hearts ache at his passing, we find peace in knowing his earthly work is finished, and his eternal life has begun. We will miss his familiar voice, his stories, his wisdom, his remarkable ability to fix anything, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there.

His legacy will live on through the family he loved the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the memories he left behind. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

Dad, Papaw, your work on earth is done. Your hands can finally rest, and your Heavenly home awaits. We love you, and we will miss you dearly. Until we meet again.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Proctor Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Friday, October 30, 2026, at Eagle Mills Baptist Church. Burial will be in Missouri Cemetery, Chidester, AR.