Earl Hamilton, Jr. Obituary

Earl Frank Hamilton, Jr., age 96, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, in Asheville, NC, at the River Bend Health and Rehabilitation facility. Born on April 24, 1928, in Greenwood, Indiana, Earl’s journey through life was marked by a profound dedication to family, community, and faith. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Frank Hamilton, Sr. and Evelyn Williams Hamilton, his beloved wife Eva Lee Bledsoe Hamilton, and a daughter Leslee Hamilton Neely.

After a distinguished career as an engineer at Allison Transmission Division of General Motors for over 25 years in Indianapolis, Indiana, Earl retired from Allison to embrace a new vocation in Cape Coral, Florida as a devoted councilman. His commitment to public service reflected his desire to contribute meaningfully to the communities he cherished. In 1998, Earl and Lee moved to a farm in Canton, North Carolina.

Earl endeared himself to many through his generous spirit and kind-heartedness. He was known for his eagerness to lend a helping hand, embodying an optimistic outlook on life. A loyal supporter of the Republican Party, he also cherished deep connections with his family, spending countless joyful moments with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cared deeply for his loving wife, Eva Lee Bledsoe Hamilton, especially as her health declined, a testament to their enduring bond formed over 69 years of marriage.

Earl had a profound knowledge of the Bible and was a former member of Canton First Baptist Church and Oak Grove Baptist Church, where his faith guided many aspects of his life. He was also a proud inventor, boasting several patents, and an avid gardener whose impressive vegetable garden was a point of pride and admiration for family and friends alike. In quieter moments, Earl enjoyed being a homebody, primarily relishing the comfort of watching Fox News or working on the family farm.

Earl leaves behind a loving family that includes his son Bertis (Bert) Frank Hamilton and his wife Alicia of Canton, NC, and a son-in-law Jeff Neely and his wife Tina of Indianapolis, Indiana. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Lani Hamilton of Kansas City, Missouri; James Hamilton of Canton, NC; Rachael Coverdale and her husband Tom of Noblesville, Indiana. The joy of his life was further amplified with the presence of his great-grandchildren: Decker and Addison Coverdale, and Jayden and Adalynn Hamilton. Earl also is survived by his siblings Linda Hamilton of Asheville, NC, Juanita Ruppen of Boise, Idaho, and Clarence Hamilton of Columbus, Indiana.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on March 23, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM to honor and celebrate the life of Earl Frank Hamilton, Jr., at Wells Funeral Home - Canton, located at 3715 Asheville Highway, Canton, NC; with Reverend Jeff King officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Mr. Hamilton may be made to Four Seasons Hospice; https://fourseasonsfdn.org/ways-to-give/give-today/

Earl Frank Hamilton, Jr, will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the values of love, dedication, and service, and he will be remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched.

The care of Mr. Hamilton has been entrusted with Wells Funeral Home of Canton, NC.