Raymond Hamilton

Raymond "Scott" Hamilton MIDLAND, N.C. Raymond Scott Hamilton, 39, passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, after a long, courageous, and inspirational battle with esophageal cancer, which he was diagnosed with on Feb. 26, 2008. After 28 days of radiation therapy, several rounds of chemotherapy, and two surgeries, the cancer was non-detectable using a CT scan. Unfortunately, the cancer recurred in the lining of the stomach in June 2009 and was diagnosed as terminal. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Lee Hamilton; three sons, Raymond Bradley Hamilton (17), William Brandon Hamilton (15), and Cameron Braxton Hamilton (4), all of the home; his mother, Hazel Hamilton Kennedy; special dad, Garland Kennedy, of St. Paul, Va.; one sister, Melissa Ann Jones, of St. Paul; one brother, Stacey Wayne Hamilton, and wife Christina, of Boone, N.C.; three nieces, Kelsey Brooke Hamilton, Lillan Ava-Marie Jones, Anna Gilley; and four nephews, Mason Reese Hamilton, Harrison Brock Jones, Thomas Gilley, and Kristian Rasnake. Scott was a devoted dad, a loving husband, a good son, a generous and giving gentleman, and a true friend to those that knew him both within the Brotherhood of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and those outside of the Brotherhood. He sincerely loved his entire family and friends with all of his heart and would do anything for anyone at anytime. He thoroughly enjoyed the tunes of the amazing recording artist, Jimmy Buffet, whose songs just enlightened his spirit. In fact, he loved most music, with the exceptions of classical, rap, or extremely heavy metal. He loved doing jigsaw puzzles and thought this was a great activity for the entire family! Scott graduated with honors from St. Paul High School in St. Paul, in 1988 with the assistance of some great teachers, administration, and staff. To everyone affiliated with St. Paul High School between 1984 and 1988, he sends a special thank you for the high quality and level of education he received, because of your instruction, guidance, and leadership, as well as maintaining a safe environment for learning! He went on to pursue his collegiate career at Radford University in Radford, Va., in the fall of 1988. He graduated in 1992 with a degree in human resource management. While at Radford University, he had an amazing time and met many new and amazing friends. He was honored and privileged to pledge his life to the Sigma Chi Fraternity, the greatest Fraternity in the world, whereby the organization gave him favor and distinction. He loved Sigma Chi with his entire being and often spoke highly of his beloved Fraternity! He was a stranger to no one and befriended almost all he came into contact with. Those enduring personal friendships, he was able to cultivate and maintain were a lifelong devotion and commitment to him. He did his best to foster those cherished friendships through the years! His spirit will continue to live on through those that he impacted during his life. A special thanks to the Midland Community to which he played a large part, being a board member on the Bethel Athletic Association for many years, as well as a coach and a volunteer in the community to which he loved and admired so greatly. He respected the community and loved the children no matter what their backgrounds were. Please remember that life is about quality as well as guarantee and you make of it as you wish. "Dream big, dream a lot." Graveside services and Interment for Raymond "Scott" Hamilton will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood, Va., with Rev. Russell Dingus officiating. Pallbearers will be Steve Austin, J.D. Blevins, Pat Poole, James Gross, Tony Bush, and Will Weldell. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, in Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Hamilton family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.