Gary Dennis Hamilton

Mr. Gary Dennis Hamilton entered into his Savior’s arms on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Gary was born to Minnie Marie & Elmer Dell Hamilton on a summer day, June 26, 1953 in Kilgore, Texas.

First and foremost, Gary was a devout Christian with a sincere love for the church and the Word of God. He was a faithful man and embraced his relationship with the Lord from an early age. He served his congregation, no matter the location, and was interested in learning more about the history of Christ and Christianity.

Gary spent his childhood growing up in Lumberton, Mississippi, a close knit community in the south of the state. He often reminisced about his family’s time there and how special the people were. He shared many stories over the years and always desired to travel back.

His father moved with Sun Oil Company to Premont, Texas, where Gary started high school and dove into the community, culture, and ways of South Texas. He cherished Premont and made countless memories while attending school. As a young man, he often played the piano at the Premont Catholic Church and took an interest in learning Spanish. After graduation, he attended Texas A & I in Kingsville, where he received his teaching degree.

Gary was a natural leader, full of charisma, humor, and grace. His impact on education and staff and student lives is remarkable.

Gary began his career in Springlake-Earth, Texas in 1973, and that’s when his life truly began. He met the love of his life and absolute best friend, Mary Elizabeth Cain, known as Beth. They were married in Earth on July 10, 1976 and have remained steadfast in their commitment to each other for over 49 years. She truly is the love of Gary’s life.

Gary & Beth moved onto Crane in the summer of 1977, where they were embraced by a wonderful community and made lifelong relationships with so many. Gary taught High School English and directed One Act Play, where he found success and joy in not only directing, but in acting as well. He and Beth lifeguarded in the summers together, and he held countless other jobs to support his growing family. In the spring of 1989, their one and only child was brought into their lives, and the whole community of Crane supported them as they became parents. Gary was a deeply devoted father to his daughter Lauren Elizabeth Hamilton, and they shared many laughs, conversations, and interests together.

Although it felt impossible to leave Crane, Gary found new opportunities in a tiny town in the middle of the desert, Sanderson, Texas. He loved Sanderson so much that he moved his family there twice, once in 1994, and again in 2004, when he began his final superintendency. His first four years in Sanderson were marked by success as a principal and One Act Play director, taking shows all the way to state.

In between the two stints at Sanderson, he became principal of Lindsay ISD, but not for long. He missed West Texas and found a job in Marfa as superintendent. He spent four years in Marfa and enjoyed the people and the scenery of the area. In 2004, he received the call he had been waiting for, and he took his dream job as superintendent of Terrell County ISD in Sanderson. He proudly handed his daughter her high school diploma in May of 2007, and in August of the same year welcomed “his biggest blessing”, his one and only granddaughter, Ashtyn Grace Hamilton. He affectionately became known to Ashtyn as “Big Daddy,” paying homage to Tennessee Williams’ play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

He retired from administration in 2015, and he and Beth relocated for a final time to Seminole where they shared in the creation and building of the home of their dreams. They were surrounded by family and became active in the community and their church, First United Methodist Church of Seminole.

After retirement, Gary missed the hustle and bustle of school life, so he returned this time as a Spanish teacher at Seminole High School where he was loved by innumerable students who dubbed him “Hammy”. He was close with colleagues and spoke highly of them to his family when he shared stories of his days. Gary’s career spanned over five decades and multiple school districts. He loved what he did, and it was obvious.

Gary was a creative, an artist, and a visionary. He possessed many artistic talents including painting, writing, piano playing, decorating, and dancing. He and Beth sure could cut a rug at many of the street dances and dance halls they attended. His love for music was apparent, and he and Lauren enjoyed listening to and singing 50’s and 60’s Doo-wop together on car trips to visit Grandmother and Granddaddy in Premont. A special song they shared was “My Girl” by The Temptations. He had a gregarious spirit and was a warm presence in any room. His ability to connect with just about everybody seemed effortless, and he was intentional in his care and love for others. One of his favorite pastimes was traveling to watch Ashtyn in all of her events and cheer her on from the stands.

Gary will be remembered for his endless love and loyalty for his family and friends, and his lasting legacy in education. As a strong believer in Christ and a good servant who led his family to believe, they know he is now rejoicing with his Savior.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Elmer & Minnie Hamilton, dear brother, Rodney Alan Hamilton, brother-in-law, Mark Lee Cain, cousin Eugene Beall, his grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and great grandparents.

He leaves behind his beautiful wife of 49 years, Beth, a loving daughter, Lauren, a precious granddaughter, Ashtyn, six in laws, nine nieces and nephews, eleven great nieces and nephews, and countless friends, colleagues, and students.

The family would like to thank the Seminole Memorial Health Care Center and Hospice for all their loving care, compassion, and consideration.