Stirling Hereford Hamilton, Jr.

Published 6:17 pm Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Stirling Hereford Hamilton, Jr., 68, of Greenville, born Nov. 10, 1945, passed this life on May 25, 2014 after an extended illness. Stirling is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cecilia (Ceil Copeland) Hamilton; one son, Stirling H. (Jennie Katz) Hamilton, III; and grandsons, Stirling Hereford Hamilton, IV and Stephen Bennett Hamilton, all of Greenville; one sister, Peyton (Dr. Glenn) Carmichael of Birmingham, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Stirling Hereford Hamilton; mother, Edwina Whiddon Hamilton of Greenville; and one sister, Philippa Stirling Hamilton, of Brewton. Stirling was a lifetime member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Greenville.  He attended Samford University in Birmingham, where in addition to studies he was a golf instructor.  He completed his college education at Troy State University and returned to Greenville where he began working for his father at the Sterling Oil Company, Inc. which was established in 1933 by his grandfather, C.E. Whiddon.  Stirling retired from the company a few years ago, turning the business over to his son, Stirling, and his long-time business partner and good friend, W. Stephen McGowin. In addition to a love of golf, Stirling enjoyed many other activities including fishing, sailing, reading, and playing chess. Although not a hunter, Stirling was an excellent marksman. Stirling was a wonderful husband, father, and friend and will be deeply missed by those who knew him well and loved him. A memorial service will be held at St.Thomas Episcopal Church, 210 Church Street, Greenville, AL on May 31 at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Reid McCormick officiating.  Visitation with the family will be just prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. in the church’s Parish Hall.  Honorary pallbearers will be Lewis S. Hamilton, Dr. William Hamilton, Jr., P. Richard Hartley, Arthur Lloyd (Rock) Killough, Judge H. Edward McFerrin, W. Stephen McGowin, all of Greenville; and David B. Freeman, III, of Daphne. The family acknowledges with grateful appreciation the care and comfort given to Stirling during his last illness by Dr. Gary M. Richardson, Ms. Edna Simmons, and the staff of Southern Care Hospice of Greenville. Memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 210 Church Street, Greenville, AL 36037, or to the Butler County Humane Society, P.O. Box 264, Greenville, AL 36037. For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinanddanielsfh.com.

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