Joel Gordon Hamilton, 76, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017. A native of Transylvania County, he was the son of the late Sylwin and Natalee Fowler Hamilton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He loved building race cars in his younger days, he loved working on older model Ford cars, and he loved watching NASCAR. Survivors include his wife, Loretta Chapman Hamilton; son, Christopher Hamilton of Raleigh; daughter, Teresa Galloway and husband Benson of Brevard; brothers, Wayne Hamilton and wife Martha of Horse Shoe, Larry Hamilton and wife Linda of Sherwood, AR; grandchildren, Benson Galloway, Jr. and wife Tiffany, Benesa Rhymer and husband Bruce; great-grandchildren, LilliAnna, Liam, Landon, Clayte. The funeral service will be held at 1 PM Thursday, August 24, 2017 in the Moody-Connolly Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory with military graveside rites conducted by the Transylvania County Honor Guard. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.