Joseph William Hamilton, Jr.

Joseph William Hamilton Jr., 57, left this world suddenly for Heaven Wednesday May 5, 2021 after recently being diagnosed with a very rare form of aggressive cancer. Joe lived like he died - hard and fast with humor and humility.

Joe was the son of the late Linda Neely Roy (Paul) of North Augusta, SC and Joe W. Hamilton, Sr. (Lisa) of Edgefield, SC. Kristine Neese of Charleston, SC was Joe's devoted life partner whom he often told, "We have a good life." Sharon Graci Rodgers (Rodney), former spouse, is the mother of Joe's three children.

Joe was an amazing "Daddy" who was always looking for a way to spend time with his children, Joseph W. Hamilton, III (Tripp) of Charleston, Tucker Hamilton of Columbia and Sullivan Hamilton, of Charleston; they were his pride and joy. Joe left behind his siblings, Kimberly Hamilton Metz of Augusta, GA, Beverly Roy Steele of Florence, SC, Paul Roy (Erin) of Madisonville, LA, and Edward Roy of North Augusta, SC. His nieces and nephews, Austin Metz, Bowen Metz, Sutton Metz, Baker Metz, Ella Kitchens, Jack Kitchens, Neely Roy and Rowen Steele. The close bonds formed with childhood and adult friends, co-workers and caddies are a testament to "Poppa Joe's" character.

After graduating from St Joseph's Catholic School in Jackson, MS, Joe enjoyed a tennis scholarship, earned his bachelor's degree, and was a member of the brotherhood of Delta Tau Chi fraternity at Augusta University.

With his servants heart, Joe found his passion as a first responder and spent the last decade of his life as a firefighter, a ski instructor/rescue paramedic in Park City, Utah, and a paramedic at MUSC Children's Hospital. Joe also was a caddy at his beloved golf course, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, for the last 16 years. He adored his "little slice of heaven on Earth."

Joe made friends wherever he went. Men wanted to be like him and women wanted to be with him. Joe approached life with wonder and excitement, a million-dollar smile and a beautiful golf swing. One of his doctors said, "In my professional life, never have I seen someone so desperately sick, cutting jokes and trying to make the other doctors and nurses feel better. This is just not something you see."

He was the kind of person who left four quarters at the car wash, a small gesture that would hopefully bring happiness to a stranger. In memory of Joe, leave a bit of kindness, love, and laughter everywhere you go; that would make him happy.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The Joe Hamilton Foundation to assist first responders and caddies who may find themselves in a similar health crisis. Please mail to 2019 Ohio Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904.

Memorial Service arrangements are incomplete.