Date of Birth: October 09, 1927
Date of Death: August 11, 2022
Walter Lee Hamilton, Sr. (94) passed away peacefully on August 11, 2022. He was the third of four sons born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, but raised in Detroit, MI. His early education was in the Detroit Public Schools, where he graduated from Northern High School in 1944. He developed a strong work ethic while assisting his mother in growing a successful restaurant business. This business started in her basement kitchen where he enjoyed working side-by-side with his mother, because that allowed him to be close to “good food.” Even at an early age, he recognized the many blessings that come with helping others. His mother worked hard to provide for her children and others in times of need. He carried on this legacy of service and generosity throughout his life. Walter’s vast education and career included the United States Army during World War II (1945-1948). While stationed in Germany, he was a championship boxer. He used his military funding to graduate from Fisk University with a B.S. in Business Management in 1953. While attending Fisk University, he was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and an All-Star player on the Varsity Football team. Post graduation, he attended Detroit College of Law School for two years, worked at the U.S. Post Office, later became a Court Officer, then Probation Officer (16 yrs) and owner and manager of several properties. In 1956, Willetta Burton entered Walter’s life. Willetta, a nurse, had nursing friends in Detroit. During one of her visits, she met Walter. They soon became a PERFECT MATCH and kept their vows for 61 yrs, until Willetta passed in 2017. Walter and Willetta made their home in Detroit, Michigan until 1992, at which time they became "Snowbirds," enjoying traveling and spending time with family and friends in Detroit, MI and Peoria/Sun City, AZ. Above all else, Walter was a family man who truly enjoyed life to the fullest! He was an inquisitive life-long learner who was a humble, kind-hearted man who truly looked beyond the faults of others, seeing needs and generously reaching out to help others that were trying to improve themselves and their families. Walter leaves to cherish his memory two sons: Walter Hamilton, Jr., Wayne (Bianca) Hamilton and one daughter, Wendy (Otto) Tucker, two grandchildren: Jahi and Imani Hamilton, brother and sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and mentees, along with all those touched by his life of service and generosity to others.
Service Information
A Celebration of Life and Legacy will be held on the Burton Family Farm in Drakes Branch, VA on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
What story’s he could tell. I wish I knew this about him. He sounded truly fascinating and so rich with love and family. My condolences to Wendy and the family. He truly had a beautiful life. Prayers to all to have this wonderful man in your life.
Uncle Walter thank you for being a good influence in my life.I thank God you talked to me during my childhood life.Uncle Walter my Mom always spoke of you with high sandards.I met you when I was six years old and now Am A Grown woman,now I can say I appreciated the talks we had because you was a wise,caring, and strong Black man…Rest beyond the sea you lived a good life and we loved you…Amen..Tracey & Vernita Burton🙏🏾♥️
Condolences, everyone.
Let us all honor him by continuing to live by the values we shared with him and each other- our shared heritage and our dedication to honor, dignity and excellence.
Love,
Daniel
son of Gerald Lee Oliver, Sr., son of Bessie Lee Burton Oliver
We were so sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. We have known the Hamiltons since 1973. We met them through Wesley and Carolyn Hamilton. We cruised with them to Alaska, the Kentucky Derby and the Caribbean. We will miss them.
I first met Walter when I was working out at the fitness center and he walked in with his daughter Wendy. It was amazing to see this kind elderly gentleman with his Cadillac Walker still wanting to exercise. I admired him for the strength and courage to keep going even though it was difficult for him. The love and patience that his daughter Wendy showed when she was with him was something that I rarely see. I thought about Walter and how he was doing. I only seen Walter a few times but I thoroughly enjoyed his company, what a wonderful human being he definitely was loved and will be missed by all.
Walter was the sweetest man I’ve known. He had the best smile! And he loved himself some cake and ice cream! Rest in peace Walter, your journey is over but you will live in our hearts forever.
My dad, Brian Hansford, introduced me and my 1yr old son at the time to Walter and he was so nice. His energy was positive and his smile was so joyful. Walter is a very friendly person and my dad Brian loved him so much. Walter will be missed and loved forever. Rest In Peace.
Sorry that I cannot be with you today. I’ve been friends with Walter since the day he married my best friend, Willetta. We stayed in touch and watched our families grow and have their own families. Eventually, we ended up in the same city and enjoyed the nearby casinos in Las Vegas. We also enjoyed playing our favorite game, SkipBo, and taking long walks on David’s property. Walter will truly be missed, but I know he is at peace with my dear friend, Willetta.
Love and peace to all the family and friends.
Libby Shepard
I met Mr. Walter at the ACS Atlanta Hope Lodge. He was always smiling and very encouraging to all the other patients with his infectious personality. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
Wendy and family, I pray for peace, strength and comfort for your loss. Mr. Walter left a beautiful mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Love to the family during this difficult time.
Uncle Walter, a man I never saw without a smile on his face. Uncle Walter and Aunt Willetta will always be beautiful spirits in our hearts because they showed us exactly what true love, success, and positivity is.