April 27, 1978 - March 5, 2025
Alan Richard Hamilton, age 46, died on March 5, 2025, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro.
Throughout his entire life, Alan had been called “Precious … the Sweetest … an Angel on Earth” by hundreds”; “Friend” by Mr. Rogers; “a fighter … warrior …” by so many others; “the kindest, most considerate patient I’ve ever had” by one of his many doctors; the “purest soul I ever knew,” by a volunteer.
Born in Rochester, Pennsylvania, on April 27, 1978, Alan was immediately rushed to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital for surgery that day: His spine was only minimally formed between his neck and the bottom of his shoulder blades and almost completely exposed. That day and dozens of times since, Alan proved he was a survivor, with 50+ spinal surgeries, some giving him less than a 10% chance.
Through it all, Alan was a gentle, joyful, loveful spirit. So many who came into his life for brief encounters remained friends, including his beloved volunteers Abby Gail Jaeger and Anna Jacobeen.
Alan was mostly homeschooled with teacher visits. One, Carol Ogle, became a friend for the rest of his life, even making the journey to Statesboro to see him nearly monthly when he moved there from home in his 40s.
Besides talking with loved ones and friends, Alan enjoyed playing games and watching game shows and wrestling.
Alan was preceded in death by his father Don Hamilton and his beloved Mama and Papa (paternal grandparents) Jean Tomaszewski (nee Stephenson) and Albert Tomaszewski. After Mama’s passing in 2009, and until age 93, Papa continued Alan’s care for 15 years, with the help of others, including various aides and especially Alan’s dear friend Faye Rush, whom he always called Kitty Lady.
Alan is survived by his uncle Ronald (UnHui) Hamilton; his aunts Linda Allen and Sherri Byrand; his cousins Michael Hamilton, Jason (Kiana) Brown, Danny Allen and Kade Byrand; and his cousin once removed, Gabriel Brown.
Rather than burial, family members will inter/scatter Alan’s ashes, along with ashes from his Mama, Papa and his dad.
Alan’s family wants to give special thanks to the staff of Eagle Health and of East Georgia Regional Medical Center for their compassionate and attentive care.
The family requests that any memorial contributions be sent to Eagle Health and Rehabilitation, 405 S. College Street, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alan, please visit our floral store.
