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.
Wow where do I start. When I first met you I knew you where my soul mate. We shared 23 years together and it seems like only yesterday when we said “I do” until death do us part. Having said those words I never thought I would have to say goodbye to you so soon., I thought for sure we had more time.
I know I will see you again one day and I can’t wait ! In case you didn’t know my love i miss you more than words can say. Heidi sends her love and misses her belly rubs !
Your loving wife – Mel
Daddy I knew eventually this day would come but never in a million years did I expected it this soon or this hard. I have so many memories of us causing trouble and boy was it fun. Every time I think of you I smile through the tears as you would have wanted it this way. I love you and miss you. I hope now you are able to rest.
I will miss my friend he liked being called the Rock I bought him a Zippo lighter when he smoked with the words The Rock on it back in 1978 goodbye R.I.P.my Friend
You were one special guy. I miss you. I know you are sailing in the wind. It was good to see you in May. I will remember the fun in your pool and the fabulous dinners you cooked for me and my husband. I will also remember when you first met my son how great you were with him. Rest in peace.
Daddy,
I miss you so much. I can’t even begin to express the sorrow that I feel from losing you. You were my rock, my anchor…just knowing you were there always made everything ok. If I could have but one wish, it would be for One More Day; we were suppose to have more days, more hugs, more I love you’s…so many more. I will forever carry you in my heart and cherish all of our memories. Please know you are loved and missed more than mere words could ever express.
I didn’t really know Cliff but I always knew Mel loved him and stood by his side through thick and thin. I wish I could be there in your time of need but I know your sister will be by your side to help see you through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend.