By Patricia A. Douglas
Post 911 Public Affairs Coordinator

Ryan Winslow Post 911 announces a member transfer to Post Everlasting. George Hamilton died on April 21, 2024, just after his 102nd birthday.

"It is with great sadness that I share with each of you the passing of my dad,” wrote his son, David, in an email. “He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday afternoon with very low oxygen levels and blood pressure. He also had fluid buildup in his lungs and around his heart. His body finally gave out."

At age 19, Hamilton enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was stationed on the U.S.S. King in the Pacific Theater. The King was tasked with patrolling the waters of the Aleutian Islands, whose strategic value was a key to Pacific transportation routes during the war. He survived a mishap when his ship listed 57 degrees, almost capsizing, according to information from the Support Committee of the Alabama National Cemetery. He was a regular participant in the Support Committee’s annual Keep the Spirit of ‘45 Alive Ceremonies for the past several years.

“George was a long time American Legion member and attended a Post 911 meeting several months ago. He declared, ‘I want to be a member of YOUR post! Y'all have FUN,’” said Post 911 Adjutant Ginger Branson, “So, at 101 years old, Mr. Hamilton became our oldest member.”

Last year, the YouTube channel Operation Healing Heroes Foundation did a 20-minute video with Hamilton at Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball field in the United States. He played in the Birmingham Industrial League at Rickwood following his service with the Navy.

In addition to stories about his Navy days, Hamilton gave his theory to living such a long life in the video. “I get up every morning, put your feet flat on the floor, look up to the Lord and say, ‘Thank you for one more day.' And if He gives you enough days, you’ll live to be 100,” he said. The link to the video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLxPfLb_3Sw

Hamilton was honored for a life well lived on Wed. April 24, 2024. Visitation and the funeral were that morning at Bethel Baptist Church in Pleasant Grove. Interment was at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

Hamilton was a short-time resident of Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City. The facility brought about a dozen residents who were his friends to the funeral.