Junior Dale Hamilton, 84, of Portsmouth, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023. He was born September 24, 1939,a son of the late Charles and Virgie (Trapp) Hamilton.
Dale was retired from Martin Marietta and was a 1957 graduate of South Webster High School where he was inducted into the South Webster Hall of Fame in 2018. He also graduated from Portsmouth Business College. He then served our nation in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed playing golf and coaching Little League. He participated in baseball, and softball and was an avid bowler. Dale was best known for his radio sports announcing.
His most cherished moment was when he announced the Shawnee State NAIA game. He was a member of the Tri-State Sports Hall of Fame. He received the OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Media Service Award for 2019-2020. He was also inducted into the Greater Southern Ohio Tri-State Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Dale is survived by his nephew, Rodney (Sue) Barnett; great niece and nephew, Kristin (Jesse) Ruby all of South Webster; great-great niece, Alyssa Ruby and great-great nephew, Asa Ruby who were a big part of his life; stepchildren, Ron Williams and Rhonda MeHaffey both of Portsmouth. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Velma Irvene Hamilton Barnett, a niece Carlotta Lou Barnett, and great-great niece Abby Ruby.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Monday, November 6, 2023, at D.W. SWICK FUNERAL HOME in South Webster with Pastor Merit Smith and Chad Benner officiating. Interment will follow at South Webster Cemetery with Military Graveside Honors by James Dickey Post 23, American Legion.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Sunday and one hour prior to services on Monday at the funeral home. Donations in Dale’s honor may be sent to the South Webster Scholarship Fund or the newly created J. Dale Hamilton Scholarship Fund.
