Raymond Leon Hamilton

Raymond Leon Hamilton, of Columbus, Ohio, a United States Army Veteran,  transitioned from this life at his home on November 19, 2017.

Ray was born April 14, 1930 in Magnolia, Ohio to the late Titus Hamilton and Rheta (Montgomery) Hamilton Woods.

Ray graduated from Canton McKinley High School where he excelled in football and track. After high school, Ray attended The Ohio State University and played football under Coach  Woody Hayes as well participated in track.

Upon graduation from The Ohio State University,  Ray continued to be connected with the university as an academic counselor in the College of Arts and Sciences until his retirement. He also worked for the City of Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation.  After his retirement,  Ray worked with youth for many years at Community for New  Directions.

As a result of Rays football accomplishments, he is enshrined into the Canton Negroe Old Timers Football Hall of Fame and the Canton McKinley HS. Football Hall of Fame.  Ray was a longstanding OSU Varsity O member.  He loved football, the Buckeyes no doubt. His love of football lead him to be a coach for the Columbus Colts, a professional minor league team in  the United Football League.

His passion was his family and he enjoyed spending time with them, especially at  summer cookouts.  Ray  enjoyed horse racing  and frequented the race track. Ray was an avid card player, with bid whist and pinochle being his favorite.  He was a tiller of  the soil.  Ray attended National Church Residences Adult Day Services where he became known as Bingo King. He was an excellent cook and his food was savored by many when he heated up the pot.

Ray is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 26 years Rhonda Faye (Wiggins) Hamilton; In dealing with the issues of life, Rhonda will miss Ray’s probing question, “WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT?”

Daughters,  Sherry Lynn Hamilton ( Kenneth Rhynehardt ), Raechelle Monique Hamilton-Ladd and Step-Daughter Rachelle Leigh (Michael) Robinson who will miss the conversations, advice, support,  laughs,  sports talk and the sound of his voice.

Love and hugs will surely be missed by PawPaw Ray’s grandchildren, Sumer Lanae (Brian Sr) Kelly, Raymond Calvin Maurice, Andrew Christian McKinley and Kyndal McKenzie Ladd, and Elise Faye Robinson; Great grandchildren Tony Lethel,  Brian  Keith “BJ”, Indya Marie  and  Isaiah Thomas Kelly.

Sisters In Law, Catherine (Jim) Strickland  and Emma Wiggins. Brother in Law, Paul (Charlene) Wiggins. Nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by brother George Hamilton, sister Delores (Hamilton) Parker  and Patsy A (Thomas) Hamilton, former wife and mother of Sherry and Raechelle.

We are thankful for all of the support we received during his extended health complications. The family of Ray Hamilton has been showered with many blessings at this stop along our journey and we are so grateful to have family and friends like you. We LOVE  and APPRECIATE you! We are so thankful for you lightening our load. Peace and Blessings is our prayer for all of you.

Kudos to the Columbus Outpatient VA Clinic for the professional and supportive services that were provided. A very special crown is given to Ray and Rhonda’s “paraclete” Rachelle Robinson and her family, Michael and Elise for bearing our burden. You are truly a doer of the word and not just a hearer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you “pay it forward” in Ray’s honor.  Provide assistance to someone that you know that may be in need or make a donation to the local church. Acts of kindness and gestures of love are a great way to “give someone flowers” while in our presence.