James "Ralph" Hamilton, Jr.

James Ralph Hamilton, Jr. “Ralph”, 82, of Kinston, NC passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023 at his home.

Ralph was born on February 25, 1940 in Sanford, NC. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1968. During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and an award for Expert Riflemanship. He attended both USC and UNC, and received a BS from the School of Pharmacy in 1972. After graduation, he was a practicing pharmacist in both NC and AL until he retired.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Betsy Hamilton; his brother, Gerald Hamilton; and grandson, Chase Pittman. He is survived by his former wife, Barbara Hamilton, of Kinston; daughters, Deborah Smith and husband, Steve, of Sanford and Kimberly Pittman of Kinston; grandsons, Brandon Smith and wife, Jennifer, of Broadway, Tyler Smith and wife, Morgan, of Broadway, and Caelan Sizemore of Kinston, and three great-granddaughters.

A private service will be held at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC.