Talton “Gene” Hamilton, born Aug. 11, 1939, passed away March 18, at the age of 76, with his family by his side.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Madison “Jimmy” and Mabel Hamilton; brothers, Earl, Van and Glenn Hamilton; sister, Christine Peck; nephews, Moe and Randy Hamilton; and niece Judy Gates.

He is survived by his loving, devoted and faithful wife of 46 years, Brenda Hamilton; two sons, Gregory Gene (Greg) Hamilton and his wife Jessica and Brian Paul Hamilton and his wife Amy; and seven grandchildren, Taylor Hamilton, Carolyna White, Dakota White, Tal Hamilton, Reed Hamilton, Sam Hamilton and Ty Spencer Hamilton. He is also survived by his sister, Grace Hester; nephews Radford, Johnny and Richie Hester and Jerry Peck; and niece, Sheila Malone.

He was a 1957 graduate of Belgreen High School and a veteran of the U.S. National Guard. He worked for international Union and retired from U.S. Reduction in Russellville. He served as Franklin County commissioner from 1984-1988 and was past president of AWI Local 285. He loved his farm and cattle and was the recipient of the Franklin County Extension System Agricultural Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. He was an avid Alabama football fan and an Atlanta Braves baseball fan, which contributed to many fond family memories.

He was a devoted husband and loving father. Words cannot adequately express just how much he treasured and adored his grandkids. He never missed a ballgame, school function or birthday party. Gene always looked forward to Sunday lunch: a time spent with family, which he cherished most. He will be missed daily but forever remembered. The family is comforted by the fact that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior.

Pallbearers will be Radford Hester, Johnny Hester, Richie Hester, Ricky Hargett, Sonny Allen, Larry Oliver, Joel Graham and Jerry McKinney. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Graham, Thomas Cleveland and the Vina High School baseball team.

Visitation will be March 19 from 5-8 p.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home. The funeral will be March 20 at 2 p.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home with burial to follow in Franklin Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Autism Society of Alabama, 4217 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 or a charity of your choice.