Obituary of Garland P. Hamlin

Garland P. Hamlin, 80, of Binghamton, N.Y. passed away on June 4, 2003, after a lengthy illness at the Good Shepherd-Fairview Home. Born in Leaksville, N.C., he was predeceased by his parents, John and Maggie Hamlin; and by several brothers and sisters. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Marcheta Whitfield Hamlin; two daughters and a son-in-law, Constance and Ike Studgeon, Conklin, N.Y., Lauren P. Hamlin and her companion, Debra Brown, Binghamton and family; a grandson, his "buddy", Nathan Studgeon, Conklin, N.Y.; two sisters, Nannie Waddell, Flint, Mich., and Artis H. Broadnax, Edan, N.C.; three dedicated nieces, Mildred Searcy, Winston-Salem, N.C., Wilhelmina White, Flint, Mich., and "Jackie" Bransford, Burton, Mich.; and a brother-in-law and his wife, Alphonso and Hazel Whitfield, Stone Mountain, Ga.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and especially dear friend, Lillie M. Sheffield, Florence, Ala. He enjoyed his role in later years as a patriarch of the family, including hosting the Hamlin Family Reunion in 1994. Loyal, faith and sharing was instilled in him by his growing up in a large family. These attributes were foundations for his community involvements in the Binghamton Broome County area when he began his family life there in 1951. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the European Theater with the "Redball Express" unit. After the service, he attended North Carolina A&T University, concentrating on Mechanical Engineering. After settling in Binghamton, his activities included over 50 years as a member of Trinity AME Zion Church, serving as a Trustee, choir member, and he frequently served as a delegate representing the local church at state wide church conferences. He served on the board of former Interracial Association (now the Broome County Urban League), Selective Service Board #54, a member and Past Grand Master of Chenango Lodge #39, and member of the Binghamton Kiwanis. Although health problems curtailed his energy, it did not deter his loyalty to his family and friends, and his offering help to others in need in so many instances. He worked at GAF Corporation until his retirement after 30 years of service. He also worked at IBM Corporation until his second retirement after seven years of service. The Lord has been merciful in granting him peaceful release from his earthly responsibilities. The family extends its deep appreciation to the wonderful staff of Good Shepherd-Fairview Home Rehabilitation unit for their support and attention to him during his brief stay there. Funeral services will be held at the Trinity AME Zion Church, 203 Oak St., Binghamton, Monday, at 1 p.m. Rev. Tony G. Weston, his pastor will officiate. Burial will be in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton, Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Garland may be made to Trinity AME Zion Church Memorial Fund, 203 Oak St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905.