William Clyde "Sonny" Hamlin Jr.

William Clyde “Sonny” Hamlin, Jr.

William Clyde Hamlin, Jr., age 79, of Dobson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was the devoted husband of Jeanette Owens Hamlin.

Bill was born on June 29, 1946, in Dobson to the late Bernice Hamlin and William Clyde Hamlin, Sr. He grew up with strong roots in faith, service, and community—values that guided him throughout his life. Bill was a life long member of Salem Baptist Church in Dobson.

A proud veteran, Bill served his country in the United States Army as Sergeant before pursuing higher education at Guilford College. He went on to build a distinguished career at R.J. Reynolds, where he worked for 39 years and retired as a Senior Staff Chemist.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill lived a life of dedicated service to his community. He was appointed by Governor Mike Easley to the North Carolina Board of Well Drillers in 2006. He served on the Surry County Board of Commissioners from 2004 to 2008, and on the Board of Elections from 2018 to 2021. A man of faith and action, he was also a board member and construction volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, helping families find stability through safe homes. Bill was a proud and faithful member of the Dobson Lions Club for over 31 years.

Bill’s legacy is carried on by his family, who were his greatest joy. He is survived by his son Justin C. Hamlin and wife Amanda of Dobson, NC, and his son Brandon T. Myers of Advance, NC. His grandchildren—Lincoln Hamlin, Landon Cummings, Macey Myers, Avery Myers, Brenden Myers, and Charlotte Myers—will remember him as a steady and loving presence in their lives. He is also survived by his brother Van Hamlin and wife Donna, his sister Dr. Kay Hamlin, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments and public service, but for his humility, wisdom, and quiet strength. He was a man whose life was proof that quiet men often leave the loudest echoes.

Bill’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

The family will receive friends at Salem Baptist Church on August 22 from 4:00-5:00 PM A funeral service will begin at 5:00 PM, in the church, followed by a graveside service with full military honors with Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Honor Guard Mount Airy Post 2019 and Pilot Mountain Post 9436. Services will be officiated by Pastor Dr. Darrell Tate and Dr. David Trump.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dobson Lions Club and Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson is serving the Hamlin family.