Carl Russell Hamilton was born in Akron, Ohio on March 2, 1949. He grew up in what’s commonly known as “The Heights” on Smithfarm Ave. with his siblings (Jackie, Barbara, Hobson Jr. and cousin Bertha Hendricks). He was the proud son of Hobson R. Hamilton Sr. and Asarine Jordan Hamilton. His formal education occurred in Akron Public Schools graduating from East High School in 1967. He was noted for his athletics including sandlot football and little league baseball. He was most noted for his conquests in football as a lineman. He and his teammates accomplished many victories during his tenure, including the City Series Football Championship. He also attended the University of Akron.
He married his high school sweetheart, Cecilia Ann Stephens Hamilton, January 1973 and from their union a daughter was born, Carla LaJuan.
Carl grew up in Wesley Temple AME Zion Church where he attended Sunday school and various activities hosted by the church. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America.
Carl worked various jobs until the early 1970’s before moving to Houston, Texas in search of better opportunities. Although life caused Carl to be faced with many ups and downs, he remained constant in his faith. His determination to get better and do better, allowed him to use his experiences as a tool to help others not only overcome but succeed in similar circumstances. Everywhere he went, he left a lasting impression on all those he encountered. As his relationship in Jesus Christ strengthened, he became a mentor and support advocate for several members of the Alcoholics Anonymous Ministry in Houston, providing those who needed it with his personal experiences and success strategies.
In 2000, he began working for GeoScience Engineering & Testing as a Certified Technician, his job offered him a number of growth experiences and opportunities to enhance his skills including building levees in the gulf region after the devastation that occurred with Hurricane Katrina. Because of his commitment and hard work, he was offered the opportunity to work directly with the President & CEO of the company. He was greatly loved by his co-workers and managers so much, so the company gave him a pickup truck to assist him with getting back and forth and traveling to the different construction sites.
Carl truly loved and was very proud of his family! He would call his brother, sister, other relatives, and dear friends regularly bustling with pride for his daughter, granddaughter, and great grandson. He held a special place in his heart for each of them. Carl knew no strangers! His open, easy-going and unassuming demeanor made him a friend to all. Some of his common sayings were “That’s a Wrap!” and “I got some news that you can use!”
Carl was proceeded in death by both parents, sister Barbara Hamilton Tyler, former wife Cecilia Ann, and best-friend/ brother Calvin Price. He leaves to cherish is his memory daughter, Carla LaJuan Hamilton Sykes, step-daughter, Anita C. Stephens, granddaughter, Destine’ BreAnna Denefield, great grandson, Destin Edward Michael Denefield; sister, Jacqueline Hamilton Martin, brother, Hobson Hamilton Jr.; nieces, Tia Lynn Tyler, Deyna (Billie) Hardison, and Maria Hamilton; nephews, Donald H. (April) Tyler and Jordan Hamilton; great nieces & great-nephews, a host of cousins including Ophelia Averitt, Robert (Gloria) Fenner, Major and Carolyn Jones, Johnnie and Bryant Downs, Steve and Elvin Jordan; and extended family – Beatrice “Katie” Price-Brown, Geraldine “Sharon” Price, the entire Price Family; dear friend’s Rick Brown, Larry Swoope, Wallace Williams, and Lawrence Shuler, and many other friends and acquaintances.