Lavaughn Hamilton Jr.

Lavaughn Hamilton Jr., known affectionately by friends and family as "Hambone" or "Bubba,"

had a one-of-a-kind personality. He was born on February 3rd, 1957, in the small town of

Tomball, TX. On August 11th, 2024, at Nacogdoches Medical Center, Hambone told his final

story, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a few patched-up BBQ pits.

His life was enriched by a large, loving family who were the main characters in many of his

tales. While they were growing up, he was the coach for his daughters, Lisa Todd and Jessica

Leal’s softball and soccer teams. He was a father-in-law to George and Pedro, and a

grandfather to Jacob, Jordan, and Mateo. He was a brother to Lavern, Debra, Margarette, and

Gloria, along with brother-in-law Bobby. Nieces and nephews Nicki, DL, Jeanette, Ryan,

Jennifer, and Imran knew Uncle Bubba as the man who could bring humor and good stories to

any family event. Niece and nephew and best friends, Victoria and Kenny got to know Hambone

in the later portion of his life and got to see this larger-than-life personality find a home again

with their family, Michael & Sophia and their daughter Maci. Ashleyanna and children

Aubreanna, Chardonnay & Abel Joe. In their own words he was a “Bonus Pawpaw “ and

became a part of their family 12 years ago. He gained an extension of his family through them

with unconditional love.

Bubba was a man whose heart was as big as they come. He enjoyed taking care of animals

and was always willing to help any animal or person who needed it. He would give hugs that

were so tight they almost hurt just to make sure his friends and family knew he loved them. He

believed his children could do whatever they set their minds to and would drive them all over the

country to chase their dreams when they were growing up. He always enjoyed a good action

movie and would use them as a baseline for some of his own crazy stories.

Despite his, many, many, maaany words spoken, his actions spoke louder. He would literally

give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it and go 2000 miles out of his way to help

family or friends. He didn't believe any single person on this earth was more or less worthy than

the next and he'd always root for the underdog. Which makes a lot of sense now, because he

was the underdog for much of his life. He couldn't read or write much, and he said most people

didn't think he'd amount to much. Yet, he could do complex math in his head and build anything

with some metal and a welding machine. And he made a way for himself in this world. He

worked hard for decades at Freeport Welding and came home with dirty boots and calloused

hands and gave his family everything he had. And he took care of them as long as he could. He

was strong, dependable, goofy, and sensitive, and so incredibly proud of his family.

As we bid farewell to him, we remember the laughter that followed him like a loyal companion.

Hambone's stories and jokes will continue to echo in the hearts of those who loved him, a

testament to a life, though sometimes blurred, hard, and painful, it was well-lived and a man

well-loved.

Lavaughn "Hambone" Hamilton Jr. may not be here anymore, but the footprints of his laughter

will never fade. We like to believe he set out on his next grand adventure, carrying a Dr. Pepper

with peanuts in it, and a bologna sandwich for the road. Rest in peace, and may your stories

continue to bring laughter in heaven.