May 28, 1955 – May 27,2025
Randy Hamilton was born on May 28, 1955 in Hot Springs, S.D. to Bud and Josephine Hamilton. Randy’s youth consisted of running wild and free on the family ranch on the Pine Ridge reservation getting in various mischief along side his oldest nephews. Randy attended school in Oelrichs S.D., graduating in 1973. Randy’s love of music began when his older sisters and other family members passed along their musical talents and knowledge to him. Randy ran with these teachings turning them into running his own county music band for over 30 years. Randy was a gifted entertainer, singer, poet and songwriter. Randy’s song list he could sing from memory was well into the hundreds. He really knew how to read a crowd at the many wedding dances, rodeos and honkytonk bars he played. Any given weekend he could be found on a stage in Buffalo Gap to Box Elder, from Nebraska to Montana in his prime. His band members over the years included many life long friends and many different family members. He liked a good joke and always said he turned to music because he had the shortest bronc riding career ever. Randy really loved his many musician friends and band members and carried a deep love for his wife, nephews, niece, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed a good laugh, a cool old truck, a good country song, and watching old western movies with his nephews.
Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Hamilton; father, Bud Hamilton; sister, Dolly Bowker; and brother, Jumbo Hamilton.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Susan Hamilton; sister, Kitty Bryon; daughter, Charlotte Hamilton; son, Beau (Brenda) Hamilton; grandchildren, Wade Lockhart, Elizabeth Lockhart, Seth Hamilton, and Jace Hamilton and great grandchild, Xavier.
Randy will always be remembered for his musical talents and his unique bartering techniques. He will be missed by many.
Committal services were held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Swallow Family Cemetery in Oglala, S.D.
Celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday June 21, 2025 at the American Legion in Hot Springs.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, S.D.