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Col (Ret) Raymond A. Hamilton II died February 16 in Auburn, Alabama, due to heart attack. Burial at USAF Academy is March 1, 10:30 a.m.; reception following at 11:15 a.m., Eisenhower Golf Club. Born Dec. 25, 1939, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Raymond A. Hamilton and Myrtice Singley, he graduated from Toppenish High, Washington, in 1958; USAFA in 1963; and earned a Master's at Louisiana State University in 1974. Ray retired in 1989 with more than 5,000 flying hours including 300 combat hours and 73 recon missions in the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Commendations included Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal. Major commands included E-3A flying squadron commander, dean of faculty at the USAF Air War College, AFROTC Detachment 10 Commander. As a civilian, he received FAA airline transport pilot and turbojet flight engineer ratings. He earned a PhD from the University of Ala. in 1990 and was University of Oklahoma director of advanced programs. At Auburn University since 2000, he was associate professor of aviation policy. Published in refereed journals, he served on the board for Aviation Accreditation Board International. Preceded in death by wife, Malissa Duggan of Albany, GA. He is survived by son, Monte Rex (Pamela) and granddaughter, Lily, Birmingham, Alabama; daughter, Christine, Fort Collins, Colorado; sister, Alice Anne Holland, Chicago, Illinois. Please send memorials to the Alzheimer's Association.
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Dr. Hamilton....we miss you more than ever! Things will never be the same here in our department without you! You would be so proud of our Aviation Center here at Auburn. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and how you would marvel at the great work that's going on here at Auburn in the name of Aviation!! Had it not been for foundation setters like you, they would not be where they are today! Thank you for your military service to our country and your hard work here at Auburn! Your memory will never be forgotten!
Linda Ashurst
Coworker
February 12, 2019
To the Hamilton Family,
On 16 Jan 2013, a final promotion in my military career prompted me to send Col (Dr.) Hamilton an email to let him know his influence on my life as a mentor to me and other ROTC cadets years ago. I told him how much I respected him as a leader then and now and that he was on the Roll Call of names of those who had created opportunity and success in my life. And finally I conveyed how he had imparted life lessons for many young cadets. My mistake is that I waited 22 years to give him the message and I learned today of his passing. Col and Mrs Hamilton were genuine, kind, and gracious. They served others with humility and generous hearts. To their family (and Chrissy I remember you); I just want you to know they touched more lives than you may know. I am sorry for your loss as you grieve for your Dad. Very Sincerely,
Tara Morrison
March 7, 2013
Good by old friend. You were always on the sidelines applauding me. I'll see you later in a much finer place.
Randy Garmon
March 7, 2013
On behalf of the colleagues he served with on "The International Air Cargo Association's" Education & Research Committee, Ray will be sorely missed and his contribution and support was greatly appreciated. He was truly a gentleman and his wise counsel always shared with dignity and respect.
Jim Edgar
March 6, 2013
Farewell to a great
officer and fiend.
He was the best.
March 1, 2013
Sorry to see the passing of my old Squadron Commander. It was a pleasure to fly with you, Sir.
Gary Simpson
February 28, 2013
My dear brother, you were always my protector and friend. We grieve for our loss of you here in this life, but God has give you the prize of eternal life with Him. I will miss you greatly and think of you always.
Alice Anne Holland
February 28, 2013
Ray my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your fraternal brother....
Spencer Sherwood
February 25, 2013
Sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. I can see he will be very missed and I hope that brings you all some comfort.
Chloe
February 25, 2013
Table 31 at Chappy's Deli will never be the same. R.I.P. my friend. Heaven is now in good hands.
February 24, 2013
I had the honor of working for Dr. Hamilton at the University of Oklahoma. He was a great leader and a terrific boss. We will miss him dearly.
Brad Morgan
February 22, 2013
During the past week, I have recalled many fond memories of Ray and Malissa. Rex and Chrissy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones as you celebrate the life of your wonderful dad at his memorial service today.
Rosemary Dawson
February 22, 2013
Dr. Hamilton will definitely be missed here in the office. He always greeted me with a smile and asked how my day was going. My prayers are with your family!
Spencer Martin
February 22, 2013
I was deeply saddened to read of Col Hamilton's passing. I had the privilege of being Ray's first flight commander during Basic Cadet Training at USAFA in the summer of 1959. He was one of our best from the first day. As I proudly followed his flying career in the Air Force and subsequent contributions as Dean at the Air War College and at Auburn, I felt blessed to have known him. He was a gentle warrior, teacher, and good friend. May his family find peace in knowing he lived his life so fully and gave so unselfishly of himself to all he met. God speed, my friend.
Don Stevens (Col, USAF, Ret.)
February 21, 2013
You will be missed, Ray
Pat Hamilton
February 21, 2013
So sad at Ray's passing. Loved him dearly and will miss him terribly!
Chan and Jim Kuhn
February 21, 2013
Rex,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Tricia Wolfe
February 21, 2013
Rex and Pam, it was a pleasure to have known your Dad (father-in-law). We enjoyed his visits and stories! He was a great man who obviously loved you guys so much! So sorry for your loss. Give our love to Lily! May you find comfort in 2 Tim 4:8.
Al and Terri Cage
February 21, 2013
Ray was a very important part of my life many years ago, and the memory of his integrity, caring, and sense of humor will always be with me. He was the best.
Jeanne Maxon
February 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Hamilton's family. He was truly committed to student success. I am eternally grateful for his knowledge and insight during my dissertation process. He will be missed . . .
Audrey Phillips
February 20, 2013
Rex and Pamela,
Mike and I are sad to hear of your dad's passing. We so much enjoyed the times that he visited you in Knoxville and our community group. We celebrate his life with you and are happy and
secure in the fact that he is with Him, our Lord Jesus!!
Mike and Carol Ann Cho
February 20, 2013
Ray was a wonderful person. All of my interactions with him were friendly, professional and enjoyable. Roy Hartfield
Roy Hartfield
February 20, 2013
Rex, Chrissy, and Pamela,
My heart was sad to learn about Ray's death. Know that I have been praying for all of you. I was blessed to know Ray and Malissa. They were sunshine and they reflected the Son. Lives well lived on earth, and now, enjoying the blessings of eternity.
Brenda See
February 20, 2013
My heart and my deepest sympathies go out to the family of Ray Hamilton.
Ann McAdams
February 19, 2013
I, too, have been honored to know Ray. He was a warm and caring individual who will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
Charlotte Sutton
February 19, 2013
It was an honor to know and work with Ray. He met his colleagues and students with a happy demeanor and the grace of a gentleman. He will be missed by many. I send prayers for his family in this difficult time.
Allison Jones-Farmer
February 19, 2013
A true southern gentleman and a good friend. I hope and pray that from your heavenly venue, we may still be able to achieve our vision for an aerospace/ engineering feeder program into Auburn.
Tim Hester
February 19, 2013
Auburn has lost a great man! Dr. Hamilton was a true gentleman and I considered him my friend! He will be greatly missed here on campus and in our office. There are certain people who come into your life that you never ever forget ........Dr. Hamilton....you are one of those very special people!!! I will miss you dear sir...and I will miss that golden singing voice right outside my door. But I know you are singing to Ms. Malis' now....and loving every moment! So until I see you again....keep smiling...... ' roger that '
Linda Ashurst
February 19, 2013
Colonel Hamilton--Farewell to a fellow Airman
"We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies,
and were gently caught by God's own hand to be with him on High.
To dwell among the soaring clouds they've known so well before,
From victory roll to tail chase, at heaven's very door.
As we fly among them there, we're sure to heed their plea:
Take care my friend, watch your six, and do one more roll for me."
Colonel, may God guard and guide you in eternity as He did in this life. It was an honor to know and serve with you.
Lt Col Timothy Ullmann (USAF, ret)
Timothy Ullmann
February 19, 2013
I have been honored to have known Ray during the time he spent at Auburn University. He was thoughtful and sincere in everything that he did and brought much value to the aviation programs.
My deepest sympathies to the family and our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Amit Mitra
February 19, 2013
Dr. Hamilton was such a wonderful man. He always looked out for his students and staff. He was very instrumental in helping me get my dispatch certificate and nominated me for an award with the Rotary Club. He will be greatly missed. I feel very blessed to have known him. Pam Greuel
February 19, 2013
My prayers are with Ray's family and friends. I have been blessed to know Ray as close friend to Miriam Aycock. He was a wonderful and sweet man. He always had a smile and kinds words. My prayers will continue to be with the family as you go through this difficult time.
Shaun Franklin
February 19, 2013
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