A man of many talents, Walter Hamilton, Sr. is a former postal worker and probation officer in addition to being an entrepreneur. As the owner and property manager of four single-family homes and two 20+ unit apartment buildings, Walter has always supported his loving family through hard work and his industrious spirit. Appreciating the value of a dollar and being a Mr. Fix It guy, he taught his children the same values and encouraged them to find ways to repair things on their own before spending unnecessarily. Whether it was installing carpet or fixing a gas stove, he was going to do it himself. Almost 90, Walter has a quiet strength and believes the best of everyone. He is always finding ways to give people a chance and helping them grow into the best version of themselves. Walter, a veteran, was married to his loving wife Willetta for 61 years.
I am a native Detroit-er, now residing in Georgia. I have fond memories of growing up in Detroit and welcome the opportunity to nominate my dad for this award. My dad’s a former postal worker, veteran and probation officer, retiring at the age of 52 y.o. He’s a man of many talents, being a family man, practical man, loving man (without the fluff), showing his love, by doing! Entrepreneur, owner and property manager in Detroit of four homes, and two 20+ unit apt buildings. Dad knows the value of a dollar and has trained us up to appreciate its value also. He’s practical (to a fault at times) just wanting to “do it all himself.” Funny, yet scary moments include his trying to repair a gas stove. Thank God, we all survived! We now encourage his utilizing experts in their craft. Sometimes this works, but other times it doesn’t, being the Mr. fix-it-myself type of guy! How do you convince a man almost 90 years old that there are alternate ways to contribute to the lives of others versus manual labor? No more carpet laying, painting walls, driving across country to take kids to and from school! One of the most memorable moments is when I first committed my life to Christ and was quite zealous and outspoken, seeking to convert “everyone” overnight! He wasn’t sure if I was involved in a cult or not, so he surprised me by walking in my classroom door, immediately after class, asking “How’s my daughter? I just came to have lunch with you!” Who travels from Detroit, MI to Baton Rouge, LA, unannounced, just to have lunch with his daughter? My #1 Favorite Dad! My Dad loves “saving” money, which can challenge his making healthier eating choices. The Hostess Bakery was a challenge for the entire family and the “2 for 5” at Burger King is a major pull, but I’m thankful that he now wants to learn how to incorporate a more plant-based, nutrient dense eating regimen. Although I know he isn’t totally free from occasional “less healthy” choices, I’m thankful he is willing to listen and learn! These new “smart phones” are “dumb phones” in my dad’s book, but he is frequently asking questions, being inquisitive throughout his life! He has a quiet strength, believing the best in EVERYONE, even though they may not have a track record of dependability. He gives EVERYONE a chance to grow and helps others who are somehow “trying to do better!” It causes concern with my family, but he is willing to take “risks” – some calculated and others not so much! I proudly acknowledge my mom, Willetta Hamilton, who was the most sacrificial, virtuous, loving woman I have ever known. On May 1st, of this year, my mom made her transition. I have no doubt she is smiling as she admires her “favorite-only” daughter proudly nominating her industrious and loving husband of 61 years, my 90-year old Dad, as of October 9th!