Cliff Hamilton

As a child when your partner in crime is your father the world is in trouble. We did everything together and caused problems whenever we could. Looking back on those days always makes me smile. It also makes me realize just how much I'm going to miss you daddy. I hope I can continue to make you proud and know that you are loved. The song below has always reminded me of you. When I first heard the song I thought it was written for you and now I know it is. "It might have appeared to go unnoticed, but I've got it all here in my heart. I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it. I would be nothing without you. Did you ever know that you're my hero? You're everything I wish I could be. I could fly higher than an eagle, for you are the wind beneath my wings." Growing up most children hear, "you look just like..." or "you act just like...", I was no exception. I never truly realized how special those two phrases were, until Saturday, October 7th 2017. That day I lost my first protector, my first teacher, my first love. He instilled in me honesty, pride, and strength...sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Dad, you have literally made me who I am today and I couldn't be more proud to be your daughter. I am beyond blessed to have been given this precious gift, thank you. I will forever hold on to our memories and cherish every second we've had together, but oh what I wouldn't give for just one more hug, one more "I love you", One More Day. Cliff will be greatly missed by his friends and family; he was a free spirit and loved to ride his Harley-Davidson - "Against the Wind". He also loved to take his boat out on the water, he felt such peace there. Gone but not forgotten; you will be forever in our hearts and we love you more than words can say.....until we meet again. Your loving friends and family. Cliff Hamilton - the Man, the Myth, the Legend - passed away on October 7, 2017 in Gainesville, FL from cancer. He was preceded by his mother Betty Mullins, father Roy Mullins, and brother Clayton Hamilton. He is survived by his loving wife Melanie Hamilton; daughter Stephanie Shihadeh and her husband Michael, daughter Leah Bennett and her husband Paul; grandchildren Kala Shihadeh, Cameron Shihadeh, Kimberly Bennett, Sarah Bennett, Devon Bennett, and Alyssa Bennett; and great-granddaughter Addison Arosemena. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 16, at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Ave, from 6-8pm. A service will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 11am.

Cliff Hamilton

October 12, 2017