Milton “Buddy” Hamilton, Jr.
Milton “Buddy” Hamilton, Jr.
Milton “Buddy” Hamilton, Jr., age 76, of Grand Ridge, FL, passed away on November 19, 2025.
Buddy was raised on a small family farm in Grand Ridge. He spent his younger life helping milk cows and feeding out cattle with his father. He would walk, ride his bike or take his favorite horse named “Patsy” over to the grandparents’ farm. There he would spend time with his Howell cousins. Some of his most enjoyable times was with his uncle’s peddling watermelons at the Produce Market in Birmingham.
Buddy attended School in Grand Ridge from 1st grade to graduation and was on the Jr. Varsity and Varsity basketball team. After graduation, he began to work at the Florida State hospital. He soon realized that wasn’t what he wanted to do for the rest of his life and decided to take a Job with a Gas company hauling Liquid Propane. This was something he loved doing because he would meet new people every day. Buddy never met a stranger and loved to laugh. Bad news was received shortly after as he was drafted in the Army and fought in the Vietnam War where he lost many friends and had others hurt badly during this time. Buddy returned to Florida after the war and married the love of his life, Janice Johnson, of Grand Ridge on January 30, 1972. He started his long-time career at Apalachee Department of Corrections in November 1972. Buddy attended FAMU and Chipola College and studied Criminal Justice. He became a Firing Range Instructor and was promoted up the ladder over the 21+ years until January 1994. At this time, he was promoted to Major at Jackson Work Camp in Malone. In 2007, he returned to ACI until he retired in July 2008. After 36 years and 8 months, he decided to come home to the family farm and enjoyed his days working around his cows. He also spent most of his days with his precious grandchildren that he loved dearly. He enjoyed babysitting during the summer months when school was out. Whenever he wasn’t busy with the grandkids, he would spend his time hunting and fishing and would often tell stories about him and his father’s fishing and hunting experiences. On Sundays he would look forward to attending his family church. Buddy was a firm believer and he always trusted in the Lord. He loved and wanted to help others and wanted those around him to succeed. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Hamilton, Sr. and Louise Howell Hamilton; grandparents, Relmond and Mittie Mclane Hamilton; uncles, Etheridge, Alma, and George; aunts, Allie Hobbs and R.B. Bowers.
Buddy is survived by his loving wife, Janice Johnson Hamilton; his sons, Milton “Brad” Hamilton and Joshua Hamilton and wife, Meagan; grandkids, Beau, Waylen and Mayleigh; sisters, YaVonne Byrd and Paula Johnson and her husband, Aenon; nieces, Andrea Johnson and her husband, Chris, Maria Bussel and her husband, Tab; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Sneads Assembly of God Church with Pastor Bill Mayo officiating and Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing. Buddy will be laid to rest on the family farm during a private graveside service.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at the church.
Those serving as pallbearers will be: Jason Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Patty Gibson, Wayne Kirkland, Brady Nobles and Shedrick McGriff.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the VITAS Hospice Staff and Internal Medicine Associates of Jackson Hospital for the care they provided.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Hospice (638 Harrison Ave Ste 102, Panama City, FL 32401) or Sneads Assembly of God Church (P.O. Box 89, Sneads, FL 32460).
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.mariannachapelfh.com