Mr. Bobby W. Hamilton Jr.

Mr. Bobby W. Hamilton, Jr., 72, of Widener, Arkansas, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on April 24, 2026, at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born on February 4, 1954, in Marianna, Arkansas, Bobby was the beloved son of the late Bobby Lee Hamilton, Sr., and Virlee Holland Hamilton. Bobby was educated in the Palestine School District, where he developed a strong foundation of discipline and perseverance. He later continued his personal and professional growth during his time in the United States Army, gaining valuable training and life experiences that helped shape the man he became. At an early age, Bobby accepted Christ and was baptized at El Cannon Missionary Baptist Church in Palestine, Arkansas. He later united with Whole Bible Church of Jesus Christ under the leadership of the late Apostle D.A. Wirt and, following Apostle Wirt’s passing, eventually returned to El Cannon Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles Tate. Bobby loved the Lord and found great joy in worship, fellowship, and music. He was a dedicated choir member and sang with Heaven Bound II and Majestic Wonders, sharing his love for music with all who heard him. Bobby truly enjoyed life. He loved riding his motorcycle and spending time with his motorcycle family. He and his beloved wife traveled together, creating lasting memories across many places. During his military service, he was stationed in Germany, an experience he often spoke about with pride and reflection throughout his life. Bobby cherished family gatherings, valued time with loved ones, and was known for his warm and welcoming spirit. He especially loved to cook and was well known for his delicious barbecue and his signature potato salad. Above all, he was a humble, kind, and giving man who found joy in bringing happiness to others. Bobby answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He served honorably in the Signal Corps as a Wireman (36K20) and achieved the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4/E-4). His service included training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Due to a service-related disability, he was honorably discharged on April 23, 1973. Following his military service, Bobby continued a life of discipline and hard work. He was employed with Suttles Trucking and Leasing in Houston, Texas, before returning to Arkansas, where he worked at K-Tops Plastic Manufacturing in Colt, Arkansas, for many years. He later began his career with the East Arkansas Regional Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections in Brickeys, Arkansas, where he faithfully served as a correctional officer. Among his motorcycle family and friends, Bobby was proudly known as “The Southern Hawk,” a name that reflected his strength, presence, and free spirit. He carried himself with quiet confidence and earned the respect of those around him. On February 12, 2005, Bobby united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Anita A. Lay, in Forrest City, Arkansas. Their union was built on love, loyalty, and unwavering devotion. His wife often described him as a loving, humble, and soft-spoken man who was deeply giving and caring to everyone he encountered. Bobby was a man of strength and perseverance. Even in the face of life’s challenges, he remained steadfast, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virlee Holland Hamilton; his father, Bobby Lee Hamilton, Sr.; his brothers, James Holland, Lloyd Lee Hamilton, Percy Hamilton, John Hamilton, and Dwight Hamilton, Sr.; and his sisters, Barbara Joyce Holland Thomas, Teresa Hamilton, and Christine Marie Hamilton. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Anita Lay Hamilton of Widener, Arkansas. His legacy continues through his loving children: Dexter (Doris) Hamilton of Elkhart, Indiana; Terrence (Kenyatha) Hamilton of Raleigh, North Carolina; Corey (Sharecee) Hamilton of Raleigh, North Carolina; Torando (Yolanda) Lay of Forrest City, Arkansas; Princess (Jerry) Walker of Jonesboro, Arkansas; TaShanna Woods of Widener, Arkansas; and JoyLee Hancock, III of Tupelo, Mississippi. He also leaves to cherish his memory his caring and loving stepmother, Rosie Hamilton of Forrest City, Arkansas. Bobby is survived by his brothers, Terry (Tasha) Hamilton and Courtney Hamilton, both of Forrest City, Arkansas. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sisters: Dianna Hamilton of Sherwood, Arkansas; Renea (Dewayne) Lockhart of Jacksonville, Arkansas; Deborah (John) Anderson and Chasity Hamilton, both of Forrest City, Arkansas; and Jackie Graham of West Memphis, Arkansas. His legacy further lives on through his grandchildren, along with a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Mr. Bobby W. Hamilton Jr.

February 4, 1954 - April 24, 2026