Raymond “Red” Bennett Hamilton was born Dec. 18, 1925, in Vicksburg to John A. and Margaret Hamilton and left this life March 16, 2010, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Balla, and his brother, Richard Hamilton.

During Red’s senior year at Carr Central High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. The day after he graduated, he left to join the war effort as a belly gunner in the B-24 Liberator. After the war, he attended Mississippi State University where he studied mechanical engineering, leaving during his final semester to care for his elderly father.

Red loved flying and, after the war, became a crop duster, loving the time he spent in the air. He had been known to take advantage of his freedom in the air by looping the Old Mississippi River Bridge and under telephone lines.

On Oct. 17, 1970, Red married the love of his life, Rose Mary Izzo, and became dad to five children whom he loved and adored. Red loved history and could amaze anyone with his stories and recollection of dates and facts. Red also loved people. He spent many years as a Walmart greeter and enjoyed meeting the customers and getting to know them.

Another great love in his life was dancing. Red and Rose were accomplished dancers and continued to win dance contests up to 2008.

Red, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is survived by his wife, Rose Mary Hamilton of Vicksburg; stepchildren, Wayne Johnston of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Cindy Johnston of Katy, Texas, Donald Johnston of Poteau, Okla., Donna Johnston Nimmo of Lodi, Calif., and Daniel Johnston of Meridian, Idaho; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nephew, John Hamilton of North Carolina; niece, Lauren Parrack of Texas; and three great-nieces and -nephews.

Red’s memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 19, at Glenwood Funeral Home. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 9 a.m. Friday until the service.

Red’s amazing smile, sparkling blue eyes, beautifully woven stories and true love for life will be truly missed by all those who love him.