Hamilton McWhorter Jr

Hamilton McWhorter, Jr. passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at the Lenbrook Retirement Community in Atlanta. "Big Hamilton" as he was affectionately known to his family, was born on April 17, 1913 in Lexington, Georgia to Hamilton McWhorter and Helen Gottheimer McWhorter. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1934 where he was a member of Chi Phi fraternity. He received his LLB degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1936, and practiced law in Lexington with his father until World War II.
A public servant and patriot, he served his local community, the State of Georgia and the United States of America. During and after World War II he served in the Military Intelligence Service. He served as Oglethorpe County attorney, served on the Lexington City Council, and represented a district that included Oglethorpe County in the State Senate in 1961 and 1962. From 1967 to 1992 he served as Secretary of the Georgia Senate.
Though not a politician, Hamilton loved politics. He was a counselor to a number of Georgia governors and other leaders. In addition, he enjoyed traveling and following current events.
Hamilton adored his nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren, and was adored by them. He loved his family, the University of Georgia and its football team. A lifelong fan, he attended almost every Georgia game until his last few years.
Hamilton was predeceased by his three siblings, Adelaide McWhorter Jordan of Albany, Sydney McWhorter Jones of Athens, and Bill McWhorter of Spartanburg, South Carolina, one niece, Nancy McWhorter Irwin, and two nephews, Albert Jones and William Hamilton Jordan. He is survived by two nieces, Helen Jordan Schroder of Atlanta and Sydney Jones Flournoy of Columbus, one nephew, Lawton Jordan, Jr. of Augusta, 15 great nieces and nephews and numerous great-great nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Clark Cemetery in Lexington, Georgia. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the University of Georgia Foundation, Milledge Centre, Suite 100, 394 South Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30602-5582. Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements.