John T. “Johnny” Hamilton, Jr.

John T. “Johnny” Hamilton, Jr., 78, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at his home in Nicholas County. 

Born November 20, 1947 in Nicholas County to the late John Thomas & Helen Rigg Hamilton, he worked for many years as a water line contractor and had his own company, H&R Construction. Johnny was a talented athlete, having excelled in every varsity sport at Nicholas County High School where he graduated in 1966. He loved riding horses and fox hunting at the Clay Farm, watching U.K. Basketball and was a PROUD Democrat. John was a gifted writer and storyteller, finding much humor in his very colorful life. He was honored as a Kentucky Colonel and was active in many civic organizations in his younger years. In service to his community, Johnny helped hang the lighted flag on the Nicholas County Courthouse. His greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren, he was their biggest fan and adored everything about them. 

Surviving are 2 children, Shelly (Given) Jennings and John Thomas (Jessica) Hamilton, III, both of Nicholas County; a brother, William W. (Jackie) Hamilton of Eugene, Oregon; a sister, Sarah “Sally” Hamilton (Alan Moorer) of Lexington; 3 grandchildren: Hannah (Benjamin) Biddle, Katie (Corbin) Woosley & LillyKate Hamilton; 4 great-grandchildren: Levi, Silas & Clara Biddle, and Clay Woosley; his former wife, Diana (Rodney) Smith; and his special cousins, Stephanie Hamilton Hawkins and her sons– Tyler & Ben Duncan, and Gladys Ruth Shrout. 

Also preceding him in death was his former wife, Sandra Hamilton. 

Services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday at Mathers-Gaunce Funeral Home by Bro. Tyler Duncan with burial to follow in Carlisle Cemetery. 

Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. Saturday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Central Kentucky Fox Hunters.

Please leave a favorite story about Johnny for the family on this link:  https://forms.gle/FqRanoFaRfpyQRnXA 

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