Sonny Hamilton, 94, of Tifton, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at his residence. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at First Methodist Church in Tifton, with Rev. Chip Grantham and Rev. Gregory Battle officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour. Following the service, Mr. Hamilton will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be John Prince, Monty Veazey, Butch Coarsey, Ed Perry, Jimmy Allen, and Brother Fleming. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Tinsley, Dr. Brent Savelli, and members of the Searcher's Sunday School Class.
Born on July 23, 1932, in Montezuma, Georgia, Sonny was the son of the late Emmett Blackshear Hamilton Jr. and Nealie Summerford Hamilton. At age seven, he moved with his family to Tifton, the community he would proudly call home for the rest of his life.
After graduating from Tift County High School, Sonny attended South Georgia College in 1950. Soon afterward, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably during the Korean War. In 1954, he attended the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After returning to Tifton, he began a successful career in the life insurance industry in 1961.
A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Sonny dedicated his life to faith, family, and community service. His leadership and commitment were evident in his service as president of numerous organizations, including the Jaycees, the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce, Concerned Citizens, Life Underwriters, his Sunday School Class at First Methodist Church for 15 years, the Tift County Booster Club for two years, and the University of Georgia Booster Club for three years.
Throughout his life, Sonny received many honors and recognitions. He was the fifth person inducted into the Chamber Wall of Fame, the first recipient of the Stafford Award, and the recipient, on behalf of the City of Tifton, of the Cleanliest City Award. He also coordinated Young Farmers State Meetings and was an active member of Springhill Country Club, the Tifton Elks Club, and the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table.
Above all, Sonny cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara R. Hamilton; daughter and son-in-law, Sonya and Rick Garber of California; son and daughter-in-law, Z.B. and Kristy Hamilton of Tifton; stepdaughters and sons-in-law, Melanie and Skip Cousins of Albany and Allison and Jeff Powell of Greenville, South Carolina; stepson, Robert F. Cox Jr. of Tifton; grandson, Brett Blackshear Hamilton; and step-granddaughters, Reid Powell and Layton Powell.
Sonny's legacy of faith, service, leadership, and love for his community will be remembered by all who knew him. His impact on Tifton and on the countless lives he touched will endure for generations to come.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Tift County Animal Shelter, 278 GA Highway 125 South, Tifton, GA 31794.