Dave Hamilton Sr. transitioned to his Heavenly home on May 14, 2023.  He was born March 3, 1940 to Flynn and Queen Esther (Shaw) Hamilton in Russellville, AL, who preceded him in death.  Also, preceding him in death were his two brothers, Flynn and Charles Hamilton; sister, Lottie Jo Bellamy; grandson, Royalty Holley and great grandson, Greyson Hill.

Dave graduated from Reedtown High School as Valedictorian of the class of 1958.   At 14 years of age, he built a house for his mother.  At the of 16 years old, he owned his own car, and drove his Aunt Charlotte from Alabama to Akron, Ohio.

He was an expert at operating a Ford 8N Tractor and an International Harvester Backhoe for excavating driveways, sidewalks, footers, patio slabs and residential swimming pools for various contractors.  Some contractors he worked with and knew from the auto and rubber factories.  He was also a Cement Finisher, with his brother, Flynn, in the Hamilton Construction Company.

Dave was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963 during the Vietnam War.  He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and was honorably discharged in 1965, as a Private First Class.  He also earned the “Expert Sharpshooter” medal.

He married his wife, Beulah, in 1965.  From this union, four children were born.  In 1966, he was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a Bachman in departments 132B and 145, with over 30 years of service.

He had much love for his special nieces and nephews; some he helped raise: Tama, Yvonne, Richetta, Al, Lloyd, Flynn H. Jr., Gwen, Ray, Greg, George Jr., Joyce, Bridgette, Curtis, Dominique, Fernando Jr., Hazel, Darron, Lynn, Medgar, Ethel, Catherine, Flynn H., Billy, Flynn B., Carol, Desmond, Eve and Jimmy.  The older family members called him “Baby Dave” and “Scace.”  The younger ones called him, “Dad” and “PawPaw.  He was a father figure to many relatives and young people.  He was well known by the Akron City region and the Chippewa Avenue neighbors.  Some, like Lil’ Dave and Stephie, called him “Pops”; others, like Kelly, called him “Grandpa Dave”, and Anita and Sekia called him “Dad.”  He was that “special” to so many people.  Heaven has received another son. Dave received Jesus in his life on February 13, 2009.  That’s how special he was.

Dave leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Dr. Beulah (Baxter) Hamilton of 57 years and 11 months; sons, Dave II of Akron, Aaron (Dishika) of California and bonus son, Demond Dobson of Akron; daughters, Tracey (Timothy) and Kimbur Hamilton, both of Akron; sisters, Eva Gordon of Atlanta, Esther Winchester of Russellville, Gladys Bradley of California and Lily Sangster of Westerville, Ohio; grandchildren, Dinareo (Sakiwa) Hill, Darien Hill, D’Varis (Kasie), Corley and Ericah Brown, Adelina Monteleone, all of Akron, LeAaron, Davion and Davionte Hamilton, Steven Smith, Jamie and Elijah Spence, all of California; great grandchildren, Nora Fay, Jay, Jaxsen, Tevin, Cameron, Damia and Daquan.  He also leaves his mother-in-law, Irene Baxter Palmer; sisters-in-law, Rachel Hamilton, Joanne Small and Belinda Baxter, and brother-in-law, Attorney Mack (Gina) Baxter IV.