EDWIN HARVEY HAMILTON, M.D., D. Min., age 91, of Plantation, FL passed away peacefully on January 31, 2022, surrounded by his children. Dr. Hamilton was happily married to his beloved wife, Mary, until her passing. The youngest son of a Baptist Preacher, the late Reverend Eli Lenard and Lucille Grier Hamilton, Dr. Hamilton was born in Ft. Myers, Florida on January 31, 1931.
An Ordained Clergyman, Medical Doctor, and former Chief of Surgery at Broward General Medical Center, the Reverend Dr. Edwin Harvey Hamilton exhibited a lifelong passion for the community, particularly the health and wellness of the African-American community.
Fulfilling his destiny, Dr. Hamilton attended Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, Florida on an academic scholarship, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry (magna cum laude). He completed his training to become a physician by earning a Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee.
With his holistic Body-Mind-Spirit approach, Dr. Hamilton actively practiced in the Ft. Lauderdale area for over 50 years fulfilling his service to the community. During this time, in a series of historical and notable achievements, he was the “First African-American” to become President of the Broward County Medical Association (two terms), Chief of Surgery at Broward General Medical Center and President of the American Cancer Society of Broward County. He was the first African-American Surgeon admitted into the Fort Lauderdale Surgical Society and the first African-American surgeon granted privileges to operate at North Broward Medical Center (now North Broward Health) and Holy Cross Hospital.
Dr. Hamilton was a veteran of the United States Army Medical Service Corps, having served actively as a First Lieutenant and later as a Captain in the Reserves. He authored The Health and Wellness Ministry in the African American Church-Preventive Health Education.’
Dr. Hamilton is survived by his beloved children Dwain A. Hamilton, M.D., Edwina F. Hamilton Bell (Kevin) and Carla E. Hamilton Bell (Grantis), his sisters, Bernadette Hamilton Billups (Reginald Billups) and Theora Hamilton Austin (Rev. Dr. Clinton Wendell), his grandchildren Jaylin, Darius, Myles, Blair, Ciera, Jayden, Carter and Nia; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Donations may be made to:
Edwin H. Hamilton, M.D. ’59 memorial scholarship
Meharry National Alumni Association
1005 Dr. D. B. Todd Jr. Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37208
Wake: Friday, February 11th
5:00pm-8:00pm
Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home
1305 N.W. 6th Street (Sistrunk Blvd.)
Ft. Lauderdale 33311
(954) 467-3426
Funeral Service: Saturday, February 12th @ 10:00am
First Baptist Fort Lauderdale
301 E. Broward Boulevard
Ft. Lauderdale 33301
(954) 527-6800
Interment: immediately following service
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery
1500 S. State Road 7
