WIlliam Hamilton

William “Bill” A. Hamilton, 70, of Rewey, Wisconsin, died on Monday, August 19, 2024, of natural causes. Bill was born on September 28, 1953, in Platteville, Wisconsin, the son of Ora A. and Eileen R. (Kenny) Hamilton. He graduated from Iowa Grant High School in 1971 and attended UW-Platteville. On January 12, 1974, Bill was united in marriage to Gloria James in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

 Bill had an exceptional work ethic his entire life and was often balancing two jobs. For 35 years, he worked at Nelson Muffler (Cummins) in Mineral Point and owned and operated Hamilton Tree Service. Even in retirement, he worked six days a week cutting trees and doing what he loved. Bill's pride in the village of Rewey was second to none. He served his community by taking on roles as Village President, 2nd Assistant Chief for the Rewey Volunteer Fire Department, and volunteering on the Rock Church Cemetery Board. Bill was also a founding member of the Rewey Conservation Club, now known as the Tri-County Sportsman's Club.

Gifted with the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, Bill made fast friends, a trait that served him well during his bartending days where he met the love of his life, Gloria James while she was playing drums in the band Country Queens. He always enjoyed sharing stories over an ice-cold Busch Light and his incredible memory could recall many a tale. Bill never forgot a face or a name. His warmth and charm left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

 Without question, Bill's greatest accomplishment was his family. He took immense pride in following his children through all their school and college activities, and in recent years, he cherished every moment spent supporting his grandchildren in their various interests. Known affectionately as 'Pop Bill,' he was always the loudest in the crowd, cheering on his grandkids with unwavering enthusiasm.

 Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Gloria; four children, Jen (Jeramie) Holman, Janelle (Kris) Agnew, Jim (Jenny) Hamilton, and Joel (Kate) Hamilton; eleven grandchildren, Jadyn, Jordyn, and Jayse Holman, Avery, Easton, and Ashton Agnew, Reese, Jonah, and Quinn Hamilton and Will and Wyatt Hamilton; his sister, Peggy (Dave) Weittenhiller; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ron (Liz) James, Rick (Linda) James and Diane (Russell) Newberry and nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Eileen Hamilton, father and mother-in-law, Keith and Beverly James and sister-in-law, Deb James.

 Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be at Lima Union Cemetery at a later date. Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life at the Rewey Fire Station where food and refreshments will be served. Online condolences can be made at melbyfh.com.