William P. "Bill" Hamilton, 86, of Washington passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

He was born to William E. and Bernadine C. (Gerber) Hamilton on May 15, 1937 in Wayne, Michigan. He married Carol Goodwin in 1957 in Roanoke. She

preceded him in death in 1962. He then married Janet Adkins on June 2, 1963 in Havana. She survives.

Also surviving is one daughter, Pam Pozzie of Carlock; three sons, Jerry (Cindy) of Washington, Keith (Paula) of Gays and Jim (Carol) of Washington; eight grandchildren, James "JT" Pozzie, Travis Pozzie, Jonathan (Paula) Hamilton,

Morgan (Joel) Rice, Preston Hamilton, Katie (Andrew) Purcell, Sara (Marisol Rios) Hamilton and Natalie (Jason) Keane; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His parents, grandparents, and grandson, Christopher Lee

Hamilton preceded him in death.

Bill graduated from Eureka High School in May 1955, where he played baseball, football and basketball. He hired in at Caterpillar Tractor Company on August 4, 1955, completing a four year machinist apprentice course. He worked in several departments and spent his last 17 years as a Shop Foreman in building LL. After 31 years of service, he retired at the age of 48 in 1986. He was never a person to completely retire and held several jobs throughout his retirement. He and Janet lived in Elgin for three years, where he held positions in a manufacturing company, hardware store and Elgin Academy. He also worked for Stewart Associates and Cuna Mutual while Janet was employed, doing some of

their maintenance work. He also handled the maintenance work for Katie's Café in Washington. When Five Points Washington opened, he hired on in the Maintenance/Custodial Department, and had the honor of being Employee of the

Month twice.

Bill has always been known as "Mr. Fixit" to his friends and family, and was called upon a lot to repair or rebuild something. The Grandkids favorite saying was "Grandpa can fix it". One of his main interests for many years was bowling. For several years, he bowled in three leagues a week and traveled to the ABC Tournament around the United States. He was inducted into the GPBA Hall of Fame in 1995. He and Janet ran the bowling tournaments for Caterpillar for many years. Bill also coached his daughter's softball team in the Northern Tazewell Recreation Association. He held the position of field Manager as well.

In later years, his grandchildren became his main hobby, as he and Janet attended most of their sport and school activities, where they were known to many kids as "Grandma and Grandpa" as well as their own. Grandpa was always available to drive someone to practice, to the movies, or pick someone up when they needed a ride home.

Traveling around the world on cruises with friends and family was a big enjoyment, as well as camping in their travel trailer.

Bill was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Washington where he served on many committees as well as Chairman of the Trustees. Bill was a loving and caring Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend, he will be

dearly missed.

His funeral service will be held at 2pm Friday, January 5, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2pm Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Glendale

Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Evangelical United Methodist Church, Parkinson's Foundation, or to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.