Obituary of Samuel Dee Hamilton

Funeral services for Samuel Dee “Sammy” Hamilton, 74, of Troup, will be held 11:00 am, Friday, January 18, 2019 at First Baptist Church, of Mixon with Reverends David Baker and Steven Oakes officiating. Burial will follow at Mixon Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home, Troup.

Sammy passed away January 15, 2019 in Tyler, Texas. He was born March 23, 1944 in Jacksonville, Texas to the late John Alfred Hamilton and Susan Ruth Hall Hamilton.

Sammy graduated from Carlisle High School in 1962. During high school, he excelled in all sports. He was voted to the Texas Sports Writers Association All State Basketball Team, scored 69 points in a play-off game (before the addition of the 3 point line) and received a basketball scholarship from Floyd Wagstaff at Tyler Junior College. He played baseball on two different semi-pro teams in the area when he was only a junior in high school Sammy was also awarded All District honors in football.

After 51 years of happy marriage, he loved his family with all his heart. His most enjoyable and proud moments came when he was spending time with them. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and attended every one of their events. He enjoyed sporting events with family and friends, especially the Troup Tigers, and was given the Fan of the Year award. One could usually find him telling stories with friends at Hilltop Country Club and the Concord Coffee Club. Sammy retired from Trane after 32 years. After retirement, he spent many hours hustling golf carts, collection coins, and keeping the roads hot. He attended church with his family at First Baptist Church of Mixon. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Alfred Hamilton and Susan Ruth Hall Hamilton, 4 brothers, Murl Ray Hamilton, Harry Hamilton, Joe Hamilton, Fred Hamilton and sister, Nelda Brady.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Dianne Hamilton of Troup; daughters, DeeAnn Berryhill and husband Jeff of Troup, Susanne Reid and husband Terry of Troup, Jennifer Bansal and husband Vic of Troup; brothers, Jess Hamilton and wife Jerry of Jacksonville, Gary Hamilton and wife Linda of Lake Tyler, Mel Hamilton and wife Patricia of Texarkana; brother-in-law, Mervyn Brady of Henderson; grandchildren, Jansen Reid, Cooper Reid, Jaycee Berryhill, Victoria Bansal and Maya Bansal; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Harry Hamilton, Mickey Hamilton, Davey Hamilton, Ken Hamilton, Greg Hamilton, Mike Hamilton, Brian Hamilton and Chris Brady.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the funeral home.