William "Bill" Hamilton

William E. "Bill" Hamilton, 79, Billy Gene to his family and childhood friends, and Papa to those who loved him dearly, left this world Friday, March 2, 2018, at 7:00 A.M., in his home quite peacefully, following a brief illness. Described by friends as being "LARGER THAN LIFE" seems to capture the essence of who he was. He will be missed terribly, but the mark he left here will forever remain. Bill was born in Fordtown, and was a lifelong resident of Washington County, primarily the Boones Creek community. He was a son of the late George W. "Jake" and Carrie Carder Hamilton. Bill was a 1957 graduate of Boones Creek High School. He began his lifelong career in the meat industry at the age of sixteen. Bill was self-employed his entire working life, as a livestock producer and processor, as well as the founder and owner of Hamilton Meats over forty years ago. He was of the Baptist faith. Bill served in the US Army Reserves for twenty-six years. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending his time outdoors, and was a member of the Outdoorsman hunting club, Kingsport. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers, George and B.L. "Dick" Hamilton, and his grandson and pride of his life, Jacob Hunter "Jake" Goebel. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Carol Bolton Hamilton; three children, William Scot Hamilton and wife Marcia, Jonesborough, Brian Edward Hamilton, Boones Creek, and Julia Carol Hamilton, Jonesborough; his granddaughter, best friend and sweet heart, Carleigh Jule Goebel, Jonesborough, grandsons, Ryan Byrd and wife Amy, Gray, Derrick Byrd and wife Ashley, Johnson City; great-grandchildren, Nick and Daniel; two brothers, Norman Hamilton and wife Diane, Montgomery. AL, Gordon Hamilton and wife Brenda, Johnson City; two sisters, JoAnn Holly, Johnson City, Jaqueline Mullins and husband David, Jonesborough; several nieces and nephews; his best friends & loving & faithful companions, Jake & Simba. Bill's family will receive friends Monday, March 5, 2018, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. in the East Parlor of Appalachian Funeral Home, with the funeral service honoring his life being conducted Tuesday, at 12:00 "high noon", from the East Chapel of the funeral home. The graveside committal service will follow in Washington County Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be David Clark, Paul Peaveyhouse, Todd Ward, Trent Ward, Troy Ward, Bill Carter, Greg Matherly, Ryan Byrd, Derrick Byrd, Jackson Hobgood and Dr. George A. "Alex" Williams. Those who prefer to make memorial contributions in Bill's name, please do so to the Coalition For Kids, Inc., 2423 Suzannah St., Johnson City, TN 37601. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net. Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson city, is serving the Hamilton family. (928-6111) Order Flowers Service DetailsTuesday, March 6th, 2018 12:00pm, Appalachian Funeral Home- East Chapel Interment DetailsWashington County Memory GardensRead Obituary