Horace Bishop Hamilton, Jr., went peacefully to the Arms of his loving Savior in the comfort of his home, on October 28, 2023.
He was born in Florence, Texas, to Horace and Nettie Mae Hamilton, on June 2, 1924.
As one of four children, he lived with numerous relatives across the State of Texas, working on their farms beginning at age 5, and living on very little. He learned to be selfreliant, driven, and hard working.
At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and after boot camp received orders to report to Pearl Harbor. Horace served aboard the USS Phoenix CL46 when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. Serving his country more than four years, he took part in 32 engagements in the Pacific Campaign.
After returning from the war, Horace graduated from Le Tourneau Technical Institute with an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He met the love of his life, Virginia, whom he considered to be the most beautiful woman ever. After they married, Horace and Virginia built a life in Houston, Texas, with two loving daughters.
Retiring from ARMCO Steel after 34 years, Horace hand-built his home a second time in Caldwell, Texas, and found peace in farm life, raising cattle, horses, and other livestock.
He was a master gardener, avid hunter, and fisherman, who took pride in consuming the fruit of his labor.
He enjoyed dancing, writing poetry, cooking, and working with his hands.
Truly a man for all seasons and lived an outstanding American Dream life. He left us with a shining example and legacy to try to follow. Generous, and eager to help physically and financially, the huge impact of his life will never be forgotten. He excelled at everything he did, and accomplished so much in one lifetime, it’s simply incredible. Everyone will agree, he was one of a kind, a jack-of-all-trades, and a Great American Hero!
Horace’s historical knowledge contributed to the research of several Texas historical books, with many of his personal recollections published in From Cotton Fields to Battles at Sea: Memoirs of Horace Hamilton, Pearl Harbor Survivor by LinMarie Garsee.
As part of The Greatest Generation, he was of a different breed. He accomplished and overcame incredible odds and hardships and made sacrifices for his family and country. He had a lifetime of knowledge, skills, and valuable wisdom. Truly amazing!
He was a treasure that simply cannot be replaced. Men like him built America and saved the world. There are no words enough to be able to properly thank them.
He was baptized into Jesus Christ, his precious Lord and Savior, at the age of 94 and committed himself to serving others. Through a weekly prayer quilt ministry, Horace fervently prayed over hundreds of special quilts for many people, including veterans and active servicemen.
Horace was a life member of the VFW Post 4458 where he served as an All-Ameri can Qua r t e rmaster, District 17 VFW Quartermaster, and Burleson County Veteran Service Officer. On his 99th birthday, Horace was bestowed the Military Order of the Cootie, the Honor Degree of the VFW. He received multiple state and congressional awards with flags flown in his honor. He loved and respected all of his comrades in arms, and deeply appreciated their service.
Horace was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters and their husbands; and his beloved wife of 69 years.
He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Moore and husband, Doug, of Caldwell, and Brenda Terry and husband, Jim, of Milano.
Grandchildren, Melissa Arnold and husband, Tommy, Bryan Moore and wife, Christine, Cheryl (Nikki) Green and husband, Robert.
Great-grandchildren, Megan Cue and husband, James, Nicole Rolison Garner, Cody Rolison, Gabriella Moore, Emily Moore, Sarah Burkhardt and husband, Brandon, Matthew Green and wife, Stephanie, and William Green.
Great-great-grandchildren, Madilynn Garner and McKenna Garner. Many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Pallbearers are Juan Fraustro, U.S. Navy – Post #4458; Donnie Frieda, U.S. Army – Post #4458; Mitch Fuller, U.S. Army – Post #10427; Franklin Karasek, Jr., U.S. Army – Post #4458; Caleb Kenney, U.S. Navy – Post #4458; and Pat Seymour, U.S. Navy – Post #4458.
Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Arnold, Bryan Moore, Doug Moore, and Jim Terry.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Horace’s caring doctors, nurses, and medical staff, as well as his faithful friends and comrades throughout the years.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to Josie Cherico, his caregiver, for her dedication to his wellbeing, providing compassionate care, and sharing God’s love. You were his best friend, biggest fan, and so much more; we cannot possibly thank you enough! It’s easy to see why he called you his angel, and we’re thankful to call you family. We appreciate all you’ve done for us and love you so much.
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS, OLD SALT!
Arrangements have been entr u s ted to Strickland Funeral Home. They invite you to visit their website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes. com and sign the online register book.