Lt. Col. John F. Hamilton Jr.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) John F. Hamilton Jr., 89, husband of the late Leah M. Hamilton passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Born in Inverness, AL, he was the son of the late John Floyd Hamilton, Sr. and Cecil Jacobs. John graduated from Auburn University in 1956 with a Master's degree in Education where he met the love of his life, Leah Mouchet. During his time at Auburn, he answered the call to service for his country, becoming a member of the Air Force ROTC.
Upon graduation, John received active duty orders and began his career in the Air Force where he completed SERE training on his way to becoming a navigator on the KC-97 Stratofreighter. During his time in the Air Force he flew multiple missions in support of the war in Vietnam and was also a liaison officer to the US Air Force Academy. John retired with over 20 years of service to his country achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Outside of military life, John had a successful career as an educator in the Greenville County School System as a teacher and principal for over 20 years. John was a passionate writer, even writing and sharing a book about his time and experiences in the Air Force and life afterwards.
Surviving are his two sons, Scott and Kirk Hamilton and their families, including several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his wife of more than 60 years and his parents, John was preceded in death by his two sisters, Alice and Anne.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November, November 22, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Northwest. The funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel. Burial to follow in Greenville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Berea First Baptist Church, 529 Farrs Bridge Rd., Greenville, SC 29611 or Berea Lions Club, P.O. Box 15013., Greenville, SC 29610.
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