Hamilton Gus "Hamp" Beale

Hamilton Gus Beale, 84, of Norfolk, VA, transitioned peacefully on July 26th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 20, 1941, to Cola Sr and Lillie Beale in the same home where he took his final breath.

Hamilton, affectionately known as Hamp, accepted Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church, Logan Park. He was educated in the Norfolk Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He worked as a Merchant Seaman for 4 years, then relocated to Seattle, Washington, after discovering a love for the community and a special young lady. Hamilton had an eclectic career, including being a security guard at Rainier Bank for 8 years. He found his joy when he became an elevator operator at the historic Smith Tower, Seattle's oldest skyscraper, from 1999 to 201,7 and decided to retire after the building switched to an automated elevator system. He was quoted in an article about the historic shift, saying, "It's just opening and closing the doors and pressing the button-that's all. Going up and down. I'll miss the people the most. That's what kept me here…the tenants. They were good to me." Hamp remained in Seattle until 2022, when his health began to decline, prompting him to return to his beloved Titustown community in Norfolk.

Beyond his remarkable career achievements, Hamilton's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 27 years, Helen. Having no children of his own, the two shared a beautiful, blended family.

Hamp's positive personality and quiet presence were infectious. Not known to raise his voice, he was intentional about creating a welcoming space for those he encountered. He was rarely seen without his trademark Beale smile and never met an enemy. He valued family and friendship, developing life-long bonds with his eclectic community. He rarely missed a family reunion and was known to receive the award for farthest traveler each year.

Hamilton is preceded in death by his parents, Cola Sr and Lillie Beale, his wife Helen, his brothers Cola Beale Jr and Cornelius Beale, and his sister Lucy Rowe. He is survived by his stepdaughters, Nina Anderson and Jaclyn Knoth, his brother, Nathaniel (Gladys) Beale, his two sisters, Gwendolyn Laing and Jacqueline (Benjamin, Sr). Wilborn, and special friends, Richard, Roberta, and Paul. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Hamilton's niece, Arlene Jones, for her dedication, love, and support, Ella Matthews, his aide during his final days, and the staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital who assisted with his comfort and developed a love for his contagious personality even in his time of distress.