O'Neal Hamilton

The family of Gordon O'Neal Hamilton of Bennettsville, SC (and more recently of Laurel Crest in Columbia, SC) is saddened to announce his passing on December 16, 2025 at the age of 92. O'Neal was born on January 27, 1933, in Dillon, SC. He was predeceased by his wife Consulla after a long and adventurous life.

O'Neal attended public schools in Dillon where he excelled at sports. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Scouting America to begin his life of leadership and service. After graduation, O'Neal attended North Greenville College and played on the football team while obtaining an Associate Degree in Business Administration. From there he had a successful career in Insurance both in Cary, North Carolina and Bennettsville, South Carolina. He retired as Agency Manager with SC Farm Bureau in 2001 . During his tenure at SC Farm Bureau, he and Consulla enjoyed many travels across the United States and Europe with colleagues who became even closer friends.

After retirement, O'Neal started a second career when elected by the South Carolina General Assembly as Commissioner for the South Carolina Public Service Commission. From 2004 to 2020, he held leadership positions as Vice Chairman and Chairman and served on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners for multiple terms. His commitment and community work was tireless; he served on city and county councils in Cary, North Carolina and in Bennettsville/Marlboro County, the South Carolina Highway Commission, Pee Dee Council on Governments and the South Carolina and National Association of Counties. He was a Lifelong learner and garnered certificates and professional designations from the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada as well as the Annual Regulatory Studies Program as Michigan State University.

O'Neal was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Nothing thrilled him more than spending time with his family and extended family/friends at home in Bennettsville or in Cherry Grove Beach. In the middle of any loud celebration, you could find him sitting with one of his grandchildren or more recently, a great grandchild while he quietly dealt with their specific needs. His smile and brilliant blue eyes would be shining as he listened intently to whatever they had to say. He adored his children and grandchildren and affectionately bestowed each with a special nickname. O'Neal and Consulla hosted many family events, but none more special than the Covington Street annual reunion on Christmas night. He would usually call the "meeting" to order with the sharing of a special memory or by highlighting some member's achievement, add a special prayer and a feast would be enjoyed by all.

O'Neal is survived by his son, Gordon (Beverly) Hamilton, daughter, Kimberly (Billy) Bundy, grandson, Neal (Jen) Hamilton, granddaughter, Katie (Robert) Hartman, grandson, Will (Megan) Bundy, and great-grandchildren, States Hamilton, Charlie Hamilton, and Maddie Hartman. The family of O'Neal would like to especially thank the staff and loving devoted team of caretakers at Laurel Crest Retirement Community.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at First Methodist Church in Bennettsville. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the church Family Life Center. 

The honorary pallbearers include special friends: Ray Smith, Jr., Ricky Smith, Tommy Bostick, Sr., Hubert Meggs, and Mark Powers. The family requests that memorials be made to First Methodist Church, 311 E. Main Street, Bennettsville, SC 2951 2 or Laurel Crest Retirement Community, 100 Joseph Walker Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169 or the charity of one's choice.

In remembrance of O'Neal, "Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure."

Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the Hamilton Family.

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