L. A. Hamilton

Leland Arnold "L.A." Hamilton passed away peacefully Sunday, May 31, 2026. He was a wonderful husband, great father, awesome Granddad, and a true friend. He was honored to be an overseer of the flock at Central Church of Christ for so many years. He and his wife Betty have had a wonderful life together and have been so blessed with long life, extensive travels, and wonderful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. L.A. is leaving a huge footprint on the lives of his family and everyone he knew.

L.A. was born to Leland and Kathleen Hamilton on April 11, 1936 in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the foot of Lookout Mountain, where he spent many days roaming the area with his friends. He and his family moved to Kingsport during his high school years where he graduated as president of his class from Lynn View High School. After high school, he began pursuing an education in engineering at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, but soon changed his mind after talking to friends, and went to UT Memphis to pursue pharmacy. This move led him to the love of his life, Betty Broskey.

 L.A. and Betty met at Coleman Avenue Church of Christ in Memphis in 1956. They later married here on December 19, 1958, a union that has lasted 68 wonderful years. They honeymooned in Florida and Louisiana. Then he finished his last 6 months of pharmacy school and graduated. The newlyweds lived in a small apartment near UT Memphis while he completed his residency. They traveled to East TN where he found a job in the pharmacy in Johnson City Memorial Hospital where all of their four children were born over the next 8 years. He worked there for a year before taking a job at a pharmacy in downtown Kingsport. They lived in Weber City for a year, even once Memorial Hospital wanted him back. They moved back to Johnson City once their house on Cresland Lane was finished, and they spent 45 years there raising their family. He was offered a position with a partnership of hospital pharmacies where he worked for 10 hard years. After the dissolution of the partnership, he filled in at pharmacies all over Northeast TN. Joe Snyder of Clinchfield Drug offered him a position in Erwin. Joe became a trusted and respected friend and boss, and L.A. stayed with Clinchfield Drug in various locations until his retirement at age 72. He made many friends from coworkers and customers alike. Everyone he encountered loved him, and he made an impression on everyone he met.

He had a deep love and commitment to the Lord. He loved reading his Bible. He and Betty studied the scriptures together frequently, especially in his latter years. He was a talented singer and was part of the Johnson City Barbershop Chorus for around 10 years, traveling and competing. Gardening, golfing, hiking, camping, and fishing were all activities he loved. He had a special lifelong love of all things natural. He loved traveling and being outdoors. He and Betty spent many winters in Ormond Beach, Florida, but his true love was the Southwestern U.S. This love of nature has influenced every generation of his family. Above all though, he loved his family and was happiest spending time with them. He cared for and enjoyed his children, Karen, Paul, Deborah, and James, immensely, as well as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that came along later.

 L.A. is preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Stevens; his son, James Hamilton; and his parents, Leland and Kathleen Hamilton. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty Hamilton; son Paul Hamilton and daughter-in-law Rachele of Jonesborough; daughter Deborah Vantine and late son-in-law Cary of Kingsport; son-in-law Wright "Steve" Stevens of Jonesborough; brother Lamar Hamilton and sister-in-law Pam of Corbin, KY; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces and their families; special friend and family member, Tonya White; and true friend through thick and thin, Bobbie Sweeney.

Betty and the rest of the family would like to extend their deep gratitude for all of the prayers, love, thoughts, assistance, messages, and visits throughout this time. The family would also like to thank the wonderful nursing and support staff at Holston Valley Medical Center that cared for L.A. from the time of his arrival and throughout his stay, as well as the exceptional staff at NHC Bristol for his care during his short stay there.

His family will receive friends on Monday, June 8 at 12:00 pm at Central Church of Christ in Johnson City, TN with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm. The burial will take place at 2:00 pm at Monte Vista Cemetery. Morris Baker is in charge of arrangements.

Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Hamilton family. (423) 282-1521