B. Hamilton

B.A. Hamilton, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY. Born in South Fulton, TN to Bennie and Lois Hamilton, he lived most of his life in Paducah.

Survived by his adoring wife, Frances, of 62 years, daughters, Sandra Strauss of Lakeside Park, Kentucky, Donna (Lamont) White of Nashville, Tennessee, and sons, Curtis (Linette) of Paducah and Eddie (Arnetta) of Nashville, brother Charles (Marie), sisters, Carolyn Parks, Gracie Hamilton, all of Paducah and Martha Childress of Detroit, Michigan; of eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, B.A. was the patriarch of a very accomplished immediate and extended family that includes one uncle, William (Evelyn) Hensley, four aunts, Edith Hensley, Peggy Brown, Louella Brown, Janie (Robert) Smith and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. B.A. was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Sr. and Lois Hensley-Hamilton, brother, Bennie Jr. and grandson, Brandon.

A man of vision, B.A. succeeded in business as an automotive services entrepreneur and landowner. In 1962 B.A. started the auto body repair program at the West Kentucky Technical College. He was instrumental in the education and training of young men in the field of auto body repair until his retirement in 1980. He developed his passion for the development of young people and the importance of education for those from disadvantaged backgrounds during his tenure there. Many of his students became highly successful in their chosen field and maintained a lifelong relationship with B.A. upon completion of training. B. A. founded BA's Automotive Service in 1969. It became one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the area, often employing the very same students that he had trained, with an emphasis on quality and customer service. Mr. Hamilton formally retired from his business in 2001, passing the business to his son, Curtis (Tony) Hamilton.

Mr. Hamilton was a vital member of the Lone Oak Church of Christ where he served as an Elder. In this role, he oversaw the transportation, building and grounds, and security programs. He also oversaw the Visitors Welcome program. For many years, he also served at the Ninth Street Church of Christ as an Elder, classroom teacher, and chairman of the Building Fund. B.A. dedicated his life to the Lord's church and church family, always willing to assist individual members as well his shepherding role.

B.A. attended the former Lincoln High School in Paducah and received certification in areas of business and automotive services at the University of Kentucky, Murray State University and Paducah Junior College.

In 1954, B.A. married his childhood sweetheart, Frances Reeves, also of Paducah, in a small private ceremony in Corinth, MS. Their wedding was attended by his father-in-law, the late George H. Reeves, Sr. and his mother, the late Lois Hensley.

B.A. was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Stationed primarily at the March Air Force base in Riverside, California, he was honorably discharged in 1958, after brief tours of duty in Guam and the Philippines. He received the "Good Conduct Medal" upon discharge.

Near the end of his very successful business career, B.A. was recognized for his accomplishments and leadership abilities and he was asked to serve a number civic and business organizations. He served on the board of the West Kentucky Community and Technical College and the Paducah Junior College Foundation. In 2016, the B.A. Hamilton Endowment for WKCTC automotive students was established in his honor, accompanied by a resolution of appreciation for his many years of dedicated service.

Mr. Hamilton served on numerous state and local boards including the McCracken County Community Career Endowment Board and the McCracken County Soil Conservation District. He was also a member of the American Red Cross, the E911 Board, the Government Reorganization Task Force, The Paducah Chamber of Commerce, and the Paducah Rotary Club where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow recipient. B.A. was also a past-president of both the Paducah-McCracken County Retired Teachers Association and the Kentucky Automotive Services Association.

Mr. Hamilton was recognized as a Duke of Paducah, Kentucky Colonel, McCracken County Distinguished Citizen, and the Outstanding Black Man of Paducah by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1995. Last November, Mayor Gayle Kaler honored B.A. and Frances with the Mayor's Award, the highest honor given by the city of Paducah for recognition of their lifetime business and community accomplishments.

Funeral services for B.A. Hamilton will be held at the Lone Oak Church of Christ. Friends may call on the family during a visitation ceremony on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.

The Funeral will be held on at the Lone Oak Church of Christ, on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Brother Paul Wingfield and Dr. David Jones Jr. will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, B.A. and his family have requested that any donations be made to the Lone Oak Church of Christ Family Life Center, 2960 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003 or www.loneoakchurchofchrist.com or to the Paducah Junior College Foundation, 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY 42001 or http://www.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/Giving.