Enrico Z. “Rick” Hamilton, 91, of Rockingham, passed away Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 at Richmond Co. Hospice Haven.
Mr. Hamilton was born in Craven County and a native of New Bern.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben Mayo and Nellie Grover Hamilton; and sister, Gail Barber of New Bern.
Mr. Hamilton served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as part of Air and Rescue. For 35 years, he dutifully worked as a labor relations specialist at Cherry Point for the Department of the Navy. He held a variety of interests and hobbies including aviation, woodworking, locomotives and music, as well as spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Hale Hamilton; a son, Jeff Hamilton and his wife Donna of Rockingham; a daughter, Lisa Bouher of Florida; and a brother, David and his wife Bettie Hamilton of Wilmington. Mr. Hamilton leaves grandchildren Tad Hamilton and wife Emily, Patrick Hamilton and wife Anna, and Charles Bouher and wife Cachet, as well as step-grandchildren, Marianna Walker, and Caroline Whittington and husband Trevor. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Rhys, Aiden and Eliana along with step-great-grandchildren, Chase and Renni. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Freedom Baptist Church with Pastor Ronnie McLean officiating.
Memorials may be made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Hamilton family.
