Robert "Bobby" Lewis Hamilton, age 85, of Lillington NC, passed away peacefully Monday, March 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Bobby was born in Lee County on December 15, 1939, to the late Robert Lee Hamilton and Louise Brown Hamilton. In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph "Joey" Edward Hamilton; son-in-law, Johnathan "John" Otis Patterson; and nephew, Michael Hamilton.

Bobby grew up in Moore County and moved back with his parents to their home county of Harnett in 1955. He graduated from Boone Trail High School in 1957. He attended Campbell College (now Campbell University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1970. Bobby worked for the Department of Corrections for 18 years and served as superintendent. He worked for the Department of Administrative Hearings as a senior civil rights investigator for 19 years. At his retirement, he was received into the state's highest honorary society, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and its communities.

He was a faithful member of Spring Hill United Methodist Church and served as chairperson for the Church Council, Board of Trustees, and the United Methodist Men's group. He traveled with the youth group on several mission trips including helping Hurricane Katrina victims in Biloxi, Mississippi and Red Bird Mission Center in Kentucky. He loved participating in the Pamlico Emmaus community and making many dear friends. He served as a team member on numerous Emmaus weekends and served on the board for 6 years.

Bobby was an active member of the Boone Trail Ruritan Club for 51 years and helped build handicap ramps for homes as long as he was able. Bobby enjoyed playing golf with friends on a regular basis. One of his favorite hobbies was tinkering with cars and mechanical work. He especially loved working on projects with his brothers and nephew. He had a love for reading that brought him much knowledge and pleasure.

People enjoyed being around Bobby because he made them feel at ease. Everyone who knew him loved his sense of humor and wit. He was a genuine friend to everyone he met and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Norma Grace Stewart Hamilton; his beloved daughters, Mary Lib Lasater (Joey), Georgia Lee Patterson; three precious grandchildren, Hamilton Lasater, Leah Grace Patterson, and Stewart Lasater; brother Donnie Hamilton (Exie); sisters Jeannie Murray and Patricia Thomas (Harry); and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM Thursday at Spring Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Bobby Rackley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Spring Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1960 Spring Hill Church Rd., Lillington, NC 27546.