Dr. Frederick (Rick) James Hamilton

Dr. Frederick (Rick) James Hamilton, 80, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away on June 27, 2025.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Stanley and Ruth Hamilton and brothers Theodore (Teddy) Hamilton and Christopher (Chris) Hamilton.

Rick graduated from Linden High School in 1963, where he starred and earned all-league honors in baseball, basketball, and football. He was also active in The Boy Scouts with his brothers in his youth, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Rick attended Purdue University on a full football scholarship. In addition to football, he also played one season for Purdue’s basketball program. Rick was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Rick was a wide receiver on the 1967 Purdue Rose Bowl team. That team, led by legendary quarterback Bob Griese, was the only team in Boilermaker history to win the Rose Bowl.

Rick graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. As a pioneering orthopedic surgeon for hip and knee replacements, Rick practiced in Flint, Michigan in affiliation with Flint Osteopathic Hospital (FOH) and in private practice for many years.

Upon moving to South Carolina, he practiced at Loris & Seacoast Orthopaedics, McLeod Orthopaedics Seacoast, River Hills Orthopaedics, and later at MUSC Marion Orthopaedics. He also served on multiple hospital boards throughout his career.

Rick enjoyed writing and was a columnist for the Myrtle Beach Sun News and a weekly contributing columnist for the Tabor-Loris Tribune.

Growing up on Lobdell Lake, Rick carried a lifelong love of boating and water sports. He also earned his pilot’s license, was a restaurateur, and enjoyed golf.

As a man of faith, Rick was a member of Linden Presbyterian Church from 1963 to 1994, a member of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church from 2000 to 2005, and a member of Myrtle Beach Presbyterian Church from 2005 to 2025.

Rick followed in his father’s footsteps in pursuing his medical career and he deeply cared for his patients, many of whom regarded him as an exemplary and compassionate physician. Those who knew him well appreciated his charisma, his ability to entertain a crowd, and his knack for telling an engaging, funny story (often about shenanigans he and his brothers pulled while growing up).

Rick always looked on the bright side and eagerly shared his eternal optimism and zest for life with his loved ones and those who needed encouragement; and one of Rick’s greatest joys was providing pro bono medical services for those in need.

Rick is survived by his children, Jonathan Hamilton, Jennifer Hamilton Pawlak (Robert), and Christine Hamilton Blake (Terry), whom he shared with his former wife, Linda Hamilton Root, as well as children Harrison Hamilton, Mason Hamilton, and Alexandra Hamilton, whom he shared with Carla Baxley Hamilton.

Rick is also survived by his grandchildren Tait Shaltz, Broderick Richards, and William Hamilton. Rick also leaves behind niece, Lori Melton; nephew, David Hamilton, and great-nephew, Isaac Melton, along with other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Throughout his life, Rick’s oldest childhood friends were Joe Kimble and Judd Lind, both of Linden.

Rick’s family will carry on his legacy of love and hold a lifetime of treasured memories in their hearts. His genuine smile, generous spirit, and infectious laughter will be missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 12 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, MI 48430.

Rick will be laid to rest with his parents and brothers at Fairview Cemetery, Linden, Michigan. Visitation will be between 5pm and 7pm on Friday, July 11.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rick’s honor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or email michigan@cff.org..