William Hamlin

William George Hamlin was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 14, 2023. He was 77 years old. He lived his final days surrounded by loving family and friends. He was welcomed to his heavenly home by his grandparents, parents, Dee and Onia, brothers James, Alfred, Edward, Charles, nephews Tony, Doug, and other family. He is survived by his two children Caroline (Ryan) Byrnes, Olivia Hamlin, and former wife, Elaine. He is also survived by his three grandchildren; Lilliana, Avery, Lucas, and siblings; Freda (Elvin), Wilma (Danny), Paulette, Paul (Clarice), along with many nieces, nephews, and family.

Will has a twin sister Wilma and was one of three sets of twins in his family. His education began at a one room schoolhouse with his siblings in Jackson. Will went on to continue his education at Kendall College of Art and Design. Upon graduation he served in the military, and became a decorated war veteran who was awarded a purple heart for his bravery. Will also holds a degree from Thomas Jefferson College (GVSU).

Will lived many extraordinary chapters throughout his life journey. Loving Father, Husband, Grandfather (Papa), son, brother, uncle, and caring friend. Some of his favorite roles were father and papa to his 3 grandchildren, Lilliana, Avery, and Lucas. 

 He was a simple man, but had many passions. Truly a unique and special soul. He marched to the beat of his own drum. Will loved adventure, nature, and was often found chasing them at any opportunity. That's where his nickname "wondering Willy" originated from. He was an artist, photographer, antique collector, and kind soul with a big heart. Will lived many places and had many jobs from working as an advertising designer, designing museum window displays, owning a silk-screening business, and an interior decorating business.

He had the "gift of gab" and enjoyed sharing stories with anyone who would listen. To know Will was to love him. Will loved all animals, but especially his dogs. He shared all these passions with his daughters and grandchildren throughout his life. Will loved many quotes included are some of his favorites:

" Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow" - Albert Einstein 

"Yard by yard, life is hard, inch by inch, it's a cinch" - John Bytheway

His family would especially like to thank St. Mary's (Trinity Health) Hospital, and Emmanuel Hospice, for their loving care and support throughout his illness and final days.

A celebration of Will’s life at 1:30pm on Saturday September 16, 2023 at Cascades Manor located at 1970 Kibby Rd. Jackson, Michigan. He will be laid to rest Roseland Memorial Gardens Jackson, Michigan.  

Please consider wearing a shade of blue, Will’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Hamlin, please visit our floral store.