Benjamin F. Hamlin Sr.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HAMLIN SR. was affectionately known to most as “Ben,” by his daughters, “The Bionic Man,” by one son, “My Main Man” and the other son, “Ole Fella.” He was born on March 29, 1933 in Darlington, South Carolina. He served in the United States Armed Forces after graduating from Mayo High School in 1951. He was the second son of the late Lilly Mae and Moses Sr. In 1952 he married Robiesenia Kirven, a devoted wife of fifty-five years, who preceded him in death; and out of that union four children were born: Deborah (James), Michelle (Napoleon Sr.), Benjamin Jr. and Michael (Beverly). In 1953 he joined Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church at the age of twenty where he is still honored as a member. There, he has worked as a church trustee, chairman of the Van Ministry, member of the Parent Committee, member of the Senior Bridgades, and a member of the South Carolina Club. He became a steward for the church under the leadership of Bishop Coleman. He continued under the Bishop Strickland, and Dr. Dennis Proctor and lastly served faithfully under Dr. Lester McCorn. Mr. Hamlin has joyfully served on committees and outreach services for the church. In addition he has worked as an all season landscaper, but that was all. Benjamin was a hard, dedicated worker who worked for Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore, Maryland from 1952 until his retirement in 1995. He served diligently for local union as a shop steward. He has held various positions such as an assistant grievance representative, grievance committee member, member of the civil rights committee, and job evaluation representative. He dealt strongly with civil rights while working under segregated and unjust conditions including separate locker rooms, bathrooms and eating facilities. He worked to end discrimination by working with the Congress of Racial Equality. He ultimately met with the U.S. Secretary of Labor to bring about changes to end unjust practices. Since Bethlehem Steel was receiving governement contracts, the company was forced to stop Jim Crow conditions. Mr. Hamlin stood in solidarity with the coal miners in their labor disputes concerning working conditions and unsafe assignments. He was very proud of his participation in the March on Washington in August 1963 with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Maintaining a schedule that can only be described as miraculous, Mr. Hamlin never faltered in his responsibility as a husband, a father, a family man, a church member, a good neighbor, a hard working employee, and an excellent example for others. He recognized the power of one voice and has always championed civil rights and the advancement of African Americans. Mr. Hamlin is a man of God filled with Christian love and joy. Brother Hamlin you are loved. He leaves to carry on his legacy: three grandchildren, Deidra, Napoleon Jr. and Jordan; four great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Sidney, Kaiden and Jodi; five sisters, Irene (the late James), Fostine (Leroy), Bertha, Lillie Mae (James) and Ethel (the late John); four brothers, (Moses Jr. preceded him in death) (Edna Mae), James Lee (Ada), Leroy, Rufus (Beverly); two sisters-in-law, Moronda and Moretta (Patrick); three brothers- in-law, (Thomas Sr. and wife Eleanor preceded him in death), Sam Jr. (Mattie) and Alton Jr. (Olivia); a devoted (stepmother, Sarah preceded him in death); devoted friend, Carrie Hamilton; two life-long friends, Aaron and Glenda; one godchild, Bradford; three adopted daughters, Nicole, Cookie and Jamica; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Benjamin F. Hamlin Sr.

March 29, 1933 - November 24, 2013