OTTIS LEE HAMILTON

With love in their hearts and profound gratitude for his life, the family of Ottis Lee Hamilton announces his peaceful transition into God’s embrace on June 4, 2025. He was surrounded by the unwavering love of his devoted wife, Dholly, his beloved brother, Denman, and his cherished support family in Washington, DC.

A Life Rooted in Faith and Purpose

Born on December 3, 1948, to the late Lenon “Jack” and Tenola Thomas Hamilton, Ottis grew up in Hemphill, Texas, where he cultivated strong values of faith, family, and perseverance. He graduated from Hemphill High School in 1967, and his spiritual journey led him to be baptized into Christ during his teenage years. As a dedicated member of the Fairdale Church of Christ, now known as The Thomas Johnson Church of Christ, his faith was the guiding light throughout his life. Ottis pursued higher education at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas, earning his degree in 1969, before continuing his studies at The University of Houston.

Dedicated Service and Distinguished Career

After attending the University of Houston, Ottis answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. His commitment to duty and excellence carried over into his professional life when he moved to Washington, DC, where he built a distinguished career with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For forty years, Ottis faithfully served in his role, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. As a dedicated leader, he oversaw mail communications to the White House and had the honor of meeting various sitting presidents. One of his most treasured moments was taking a photograph with President Bill Clinton, an experience he held dear. He retired from HHS in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and service.

Faith, Family, and Everlasting Love

Ottis’s unwavering faith guided every step of his journey, and his time in Washington, DC was enriched by his worship at the Sixteenth and Decatur Church of Christ. It was within these walls of faith that he met the love of his life, Dholly Jale, a kind and devoted woman from the Philippines. Their love blossomed over the years, culminating in their marriage on June 8, 2017. For almost eight years, Dholly remained Ottis’s steadfast pillar of love and support. Together, they cultivated a beautiful life rooted in faith and family. Despite the physical distance, Ottis and Dholly maintained strong bonds with their Filipino family, as well as their Washington, DC family, including his brother Denman, his children DeMario (Samantha), DeWayne, Ambrielle, and Angela Hamilton Hogue, nieces Nova (Gordon) and Patricia, and Cousin Elton Thomas (Sandy). Their connection extended to Chris Douglas and Caldwell Jackson, two young men whom Ottis embraced as his own sons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ottis and Dholly faithfully worshipped online with the Thomas Blvd Church of Christ in Port Arthur, TX, continuing their dedication to faith.

Funeral Services for Ottis were held Saturday, June 14, 2025 11:00AM at Collins Funeral Home in Silver Spring, MD 20901.

Local funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Thomas Johnson Church of Christ, 840 Thomas Johnson Rd, Hemphill, TX 75948 under the direction of Starr Funeral Home.

Burial will follow services in Macedonia Cemetery in Hemphill.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.