Clifford “J.C.” Hamilton, 96, of Joaquin, entered into his eternal home on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Jonathan Baker officiating, assisted by Phil Worsham and Rev. Mike Stowell. Interment will follow at Lone Cedar Cemetery in Joaquin.

Born October 5, 1929, in Shelby County, Clifford is the son of Curtis Leard Hamilton and Pairlee Cleo Taylor Hamilton. In 1992, he retired from Beard Industries. Clifford spent his life as a cattleman and farmer, providing for his family and helping feed his community.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Clifford cherished his family and the time spent with them. Above all, he loved his Lord with all his heart. He was a lifelong member of Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as deacon. Clifford was also a sixty-five-year member of Joaquin Masonic Lodge No. 856.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Headrick Hamilton and husband Lance of Longstreet, Louisiana; son, Jimmy Hamilton and wife Tammy of Joaquin, Texas; grandchildren, Tara Leigh Headrick of Longstreet, Louisiana, Kyle Hamilton Headrick and wife Katelyn of DeBerry, Louisiana, Cody Hamilton and wife Cassidy of Joaquin, Texas, and Colby Hamilton and Alexis Byrd of Joaquin, Texas; great grandchildren, Hallie Headrick, Hadley Hamilton, Lyndie Headrick, Heston Headrick, and Jace Hamilton; sisters, Tillie Lilly of Joaquin, Texas, and Fay Baker of Tyler, Texas; brother-in-law, Tommy Gray and wife Jaunell of Joaquin, Texas; sister-in-law, Doshia Hamilton of Joaquin, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by wife, Wanda Gray Hamilton; infant daughter; son-in-law, Ken Headrick; parents, Curtis Leard Hamilton and Pairlee Cleo Taylor Hamilton; brother, Spencer Hamilton; half-brother, Curtis Hamilton; brothers-in-law, Tommy Lilly and Daniel Baker; sisters-in-law, Frances Crocker and husband Elvin and Era Lou Gray; and nephew, Scooter Gray.

Pallbearers will be Glenn Oates, John Paul Lawson, Gary Nixon, Mike Taylor, Mike Lawson, and Mark Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Lawrence, Craylon Hughes, and Mr. Hamilton’s nephews.

Special thanks to fellow members of Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church, Melissa Rodgers, Avir Nursing Center, and Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lone Cedar Cemetery Fund or Joaquin Masonic Lodge No. 856 Scholarship Fund.