Hamilton “Hamp” Erwin of Hayes, Virginia, passed away at home on 28 February 2024 after a yearlong battle with cancer at the age of 88. He was raised in western North Carolina, where Linville Gorge was his playground as a boy, and where he acquired his love of nature. Baseball was his sport and he played through high school and college. He obtained a degree in Forestry Management from N.C. State University and worked for the N.C. Forest Service throughout the Smoky Mountains before choosing the U.S. Army as a career. He was a proud Infantry Airborne Ranger, serving in numerous stateside and overseas assignments, including four combat tours. He was highly decorated as a Vietnam veteran and carried his wounds humbly and with dignity. Making their home in Hayes in 1990, Hamp retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1991 after 30 years of service. Thereafter, he worked until 2004 as an Army Training Specialist for several defense contractors. Family, close friends, and neighborhood gatherings were very special to him and he loved telling corny jokes whenever given the opportunity. Feeding birds, running battlefield trails at Yorktown, watching sunsets on Sarah Creek, and refinishing family heirloom furniture were among his favorite activities. He was a dedicated and loving son, brother, husband, father, and Papa; always sharing his great love for God, country and family. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara R. Erwin; three sons, Edward Erwin, John Erwin, Marcus Erwin, and daughter, Kathryn DeBoer, and Papa to nine. A funeral service will be held at Abingdon Episcopal Church on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. The interment will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In memory of Hamp, the family requests contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.