Billie Ray Hamilton

Bill Hamilton of Lakeland left his earthly home for his one in heaven on Friday, February 10, 2023. He passed peacefully after a brief illness.
Bill was born on May 4, 1930, in Liberty, Florida to John and Victorine (Turner) Hamilton. He and his twin sister Betty Faye were the youngest of 11 children in the family. He attended school at the Liberty community school, and in 1950 graduated from Walton County High where he was a star basketball player.
Not long after high school, Bill was drafted into the US Army, where he served overseas during the Korean War. A couple of years after his military service, Bill met the love of his life, Betty Ann Powell, and after a brief courtship they were married in December of 1954. They were inseparable for almost 59 years until her passing in 2013.
After a brief stay in Jacksonville, the couple moved to Lakeland, making it their home for the remainder of their lives where they raised their two children, David and Donna.
Bill was the former manager and owner of Cattlemen's Livestock Auction Markets for 35 years, a past president of the Florida Association of Livestock Markets, and a member of both the Polk County and Florida Cattlemen's Associations.
A devoted Christian, Bill was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lakeland for over 65 years. He served as a deacon, usher, Sunday school teacher, and superintendent. His faith was foremost in his life, followed closely by family and friends.
In his spare time, he enjoyed working in his yard, a point of pride and joy for him. He also loved to hunt and fish with family and friends, especially at his second home in Georgia. In spite of some of his family's choices to the contrary, Bill was a lifelong Gator football and basketball fan to the very end.
In addition to his loving wife Betty, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 10 siblings, and son-in-law Tommy Driskell. He is survived by son David, daughter Donna Driskell, grandsons Trent (Rachel) Skinner, Brian (Crystal) Hamilton, Brett Hamilton, Jacob Driskell, 9 great-grandchildren, and daughter-in-love Deborah Hamilton. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and close friends. All who knew him will forever remember his smile, his laughter, and his love for them all.
The family will receive friends and loved ones for a visitation Friday, February 17, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lanier Funeral & Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Rd., Lakeland, FL 33805. A funeral service will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, February 18, 2023. A graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 US Hwy 98 South, Lakeland, FL 33812.

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