WILLIAM JOSHUA HAMILTON  

William Joshua Hamilton, 76, of Gaithersburg, MD, died on January 8, 2017, at his residence after a long illness.

Will was born on April 9, 1940, in Poolesville, MD to the late Joshua and Fannie Hamilton. At an early age, he went to live with his Uncle Charles and Aunt Retta. As a teen, he worked on a farm with his uncle. He attended Poolesville Elementary and Lincoln High in Rockville.

He loved working with his hands, collecting recycled and antique items, and tinkering. He could fix almost anything. His kind and gentle spirit was known by all. He never learned to say "no," and spent a good amount of time doing for others.

Will was employed by the Montgomery County Board of Education for 19 years. He served as head custodian at four elementary schools: Ashburton, Kensington Parkwood, Darnestown and Monocacy. He was much loved and respected by the principals, teachers, and students alike.

He also served as a custodian at Bethesda United Church of Christ, Faith United Methodist (Montrose), Outdoor Nursery (Chevy Chase), Darnestown United Presbyterian, Beth Shalom Congregation (Rockville) and Talmud Torah Rockville.

Will was also an entrepreneur, operating his professional lawn service business for many years. He instilled his strong values and ethics into his son, nephews and children of friends by employing them in his business and custodial work.

Will was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline Diggs Hamilton. He is survived by a son, William Hamilton (Elizabeth); five sisters, Anne Whisonant, Dorothy Hackett and Elaine Snow (Carnell), Patricia Murry (Kirk), Deborah Gray (John); five brothers, Benjamin, George, Eugene, Robert (Doretha) and Theodore Hamilton. He will also be greatly missed by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many beloved friends.

A memorial service will be held on January 21, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 19215 Jerusalem Road, Poolesville, MD, with the Rev. C. Glenn Taylor officiating.