CONWAY, NC – Charles Sterling Hamilton, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the Vidant North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, NC.
A native of Tyrrell County, Sterling was born on July 24, 1933 to Joseph W. Hamilton and Ada Davenport Hamilton in Columbia, NC. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Sterling spent his entire career as an educator for Northampton County Public School System. After many years in the classroom he spent his last four years as the Principal at Conway Middle School. He cherished his students and would let them know when meeting on the street that he knew he taught them just could not remember their name. Sterling enjoyed his time as a coach when needed and announcing at the football and basketball games. He was truly dedicated to teaching our future leaders in Northampton County. Upon retiring from education, Sterling enjoyed mowing grass for the church and elderly in the neighborhood. In his early years, Sterling liked to duck and goose hunt. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, enjoyed traveling, and spent lots of time videoing those special events for people to cherish for years. Sterling was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph “Joe” Hamilton, Jr., Thomas Hamilton, Edward Hamilton, and Albin Hamilton, his sister, Julia Riddick, and a nephew, Buddy Riddick.
Sterling is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Frances, his daughter, Julia Hamilton Salas and husband Rudy; grandson, Rudy Salas III and wife Emma; granddaughter, Marialena Salas; four great-grandsons, Elijah, Finn, and identical twins Jasper and Isaac Salas; a sister-in-law, Mittie Hamilton; two nephews, Steve Hamilton and wife Pat, and Al Hamilton; five nieces, Claire Jo Miner and husband Joe, Alice Ann Cohoon and husband Mike, Angela Matthews and husband Matt, Debbie Copeland, and Fran Hamilton; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, friends and neighbors that were like family to Sterling.
A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at 2:00 pm at the Conway United Methodist Church, Conway, NC, with Rev. Robert Hill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM and burial will follow the service at the Conway Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made directly to the Conway United Methodist Church, PO Box 326 Conway NC 27820 or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC is handling the arrangements for the Hamilton family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Mr. Hamilton was one of my favorite teachers at NCHS. I saw him last year in Murfreesboro and he was his usual nice self. He will be missed by so many. Love to his family.
To Miss Frances, Julia, and the rest of the family:
I’m so sorry I can’t be there for Mr. Hamilton’s Memorial services. My doctors at Walter Reed Military Hospital just put me on a new heart drug and temporarily won’t allow me to travel. So sorry. Please forgive….but also know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
To Mr. Hamilton: You had a profound influence on my life in so many ways. You were one of the best teachers I ever had! Your high school history and civic classes were iconic and your driver’s ed classes were hilarious!! But my long time relationship with you goes much deeper than that. You were also my friend and mentor. The mere fact that you volunteered hundreds of hours and years of your precious time to coach baseball for me and other young Conway boys, when no one else would do it, speaks volumes about your devotion to community and youth. We learned so much from you. Thank you so much, my friend.
Now, as you’ve reached the Lord’s Great Reward, I’m betting you’ve already had the opportunity to chat with your buddy Ted Williams and other Red Sox greats!! While I know it will be tough, please spend some time with Mickey and Yogi too…and give them a hello from me!!!
Take care, my dear friend!
RIP!!
And God Bless!
Wayne Woodard
Mrs. Hamilton, Julia and family:
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Mr. Hamilton. He was a good co-worker, and I enjoyed working with him at NCHS. May God hold you in his loving arms at this difficult time.
JULIA, PRAYERS & STRENGTH FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS!!! LETIA DICKERSON & THE DICKERSON FAMILY.
Julia and family my deep condolences. I am sorry I can not be at the service, but know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I can see the Lord saying to Mr. Hamilton ” Well Done My Good And Faithful Servant”.
I remember when the bus drivers didn’t want come down that long road to get us now it’s call Grant Road I believe I get to school I go find Mr. Hamilton he call the driver . He tell the driver you better pick those kids up thanks Mr. Hamilton God bless the Family Amen
Frances we are so sorry to hear that your husband has passed away. You are in out thoughts and prayers. Love, Steve and Susan.
I already miss his teasing and that big smile. I am deeply saddened for all his family. God Bless.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending our condolences. Mike and I will always remember him as a fine man and a fine teacher.