Alvin Ray Hamilton

Alvin “Ray” Hamilton

Alvin Ray Hamilton passed away on February 5, 2020 in Nashville, TN.

Born on July 2, 1947 to Lera Bailey Hamilton and James Ivy Hamilton in Cumberland, MS. He was a long-time resident of Mississippi before moving to the Nashville, TN area. Ray graduated from High School in West Point, MS in 1965. He attended MSU until he joined the MS National Guard in 1966, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ray was employed by Babcock Wilcox in West Point as a boiler maker for 30 years. At B&W he was elected Union Steward for Boiler Maker Local 903 and served on the credit union board there. He was an enthusiastic MSU Bulldog fan and was best known at the Columbus Farmers Market for his heirloom tomatoes.

In Hendersonville TN, Ray served on the board of trustees at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. He was an active member, giving his time as a volunteer for the food pantry, “Feed the Need”, and “Room in the Inn”. Ray was actively involved in his community and neighborhood, serving several years on the Glen Oaks HOA board.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and son, Terrell Hamilton. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn Terrell Hamilton; sons, William
Hamilton, James Hamilton, Chris Terrell; and brother, Wade Hamilton. Ray had 3 grandchildren, Forest Hilton, Hudson Hamilton, and granddaughter, Madison Terrell; and 2 great-grandchildren, Zaiden and Austin.

Services for Ray in MS will be handled by Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home, 716 2nd Ave N, Columbus, MS 39701. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 8, 2020 with Rev. Jimmy Criddle officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the service.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in Hendersonville, TN at Good Shepherd
United Methodist Church at a later date handled by Austin and Bell Funeral Home of Hendersonville, TN.