Billy Ray

Hamilton

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15

Billy Ray Hamilton, 81, of Rosston, AR went peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on March 4th, 2026.

Born on February 3, 1945, in Stamps, AR to Aubrey Hamilton and Addis Nix Hamilton.  Bill was a devoted husband, father, and Papaw whose life reflected his steadfast faith in Christ.  His walk with Christ was what he lived every day in the way he loved, served, and showed grace to others.  Bill retired from Nevada County at 79 years old, was ordained in 1982 as a Deacon for Union Baptist Church and was a 32nd Degree Mason.

Bill found joy in using his hands and it was rare for him to be still.  He loved to labor in his garden in the summer months and share the fruits of his labor, growing what his family knew to be the best watermelon, corn, and other produce.  If he couldn't be found in the field, he was busy in his shop woodworking – building cedar chests, swings, cutting boards, or creating something new.  His greatest joy was spending time with the family that he and his wife of 60 years, Sue, built. Bill was the pillar of strength and light for his family.  He always provided a steady presence, strength, faith, and love that will live forever in them. His family is comforted to know that he was greeted with "well done good and faithful servant".

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Addis Hamilton; sisters, Ruth Montgomery, Allene Strange, and Mollie Phillips; brothers, Bernard Hamilton, Preston Hamilton, and Grady Hamilton.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sue Hamilton; his son, Kevin Hamilton and his wife June; his daughter, Karen Hamilton; his grandchildren, Kristi Briceno, Paul Patton and his wife Brittany, Kayla Cable and her husband Matthew, Jonathan Freeman, Summer Hamilton and her fiancé Todd Phillips, Reagan Cranford, and Jackson Cranford; his great-grandchildren, Hadley, Ava, and Willow Patton; Abel and Cadence Pardin; Emmie and Mateo Briceno; Celia Honey Phillips; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home- Hope

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Chapel- Hope.

Private family burial will be held under the direction of Herndon- Fuqua Funeral Home.