MOUNTAIN PINE -- Paul E. Hamilton, age 75, of Mountain Pine, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
He was born on June 6, 1947, in Norman, the son of Earnest Melton Hamilton and Media Carter Hamilton. On Oct. 20, 1995, he married Florice Hassin. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Shannon Paul Hamilton; two brothers, Joe Hamilton and Dewayne Hamilton; and five sisters, Verna Dean Wright, Virginia Sandlin, Mary Phillips, Rosalie Jackson and Lela Mae Wright.
Paul was of the Baptist faith and a member of the National Rodeo Association, Mounted Patrol, Quarter Horse Association, High Noon Hunting Club and H.S. Hog Chapter. He was a proud United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean War while stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. He received the National Defense Service medal as Sergeant E-5 Certified Sharpshooter.
He worked as a trucker, beginning his career with dump trucks, chipping trucks and log trucks. He went on to own Hamilton 3 Trucking along with his son. Paul was a successful contractor with Weyerhaeuser and Hunter-Wassen Logging, logging most of the state of Arkansas. After retirement, he enjoyed working his land and cattle to support his true passion, riding his Harley.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Florice Hamilton; one daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Ray Huff; six grandchildren, Lynzie (Kord) Dwello, Jennifer (Jessie) Delling, Brooke (Collin) Nelms, McKenzie (Keaton) Howard, Carson Hamilton and Leanord Huff; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Ralph Hamilton; five sisters-in-law, Nancy Hamilton, Arvette Hamilton, Anna (Harry) Laribe, Teresa (Tom) Rowe, Alberta (Jay) Gibbs; special nephew, Jody Hamilton; his best friend, Tommy Buffington; his employee, Floyd Jackson; his motorcycle buddies, Scotty Dodd and Joel Weiler; and the Hot Springs Hog chapter; several nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of wonderful friends.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2023, with Brother Dale Hamilton and Brody Huff officiating, in the Smith Family Funeral Home chapel, Hot Springs.
Visitation held at 4-6 p.m. today, May 21, 2023, at the funeral home.
Guest registry is at http://www.smithfamilycares.com.