[1] Hamilton, a native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, received his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1977.

[1] Hamilton was credited with leading the restoration efforts in the Florida Everglades.

[1] He was appointed the director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in 2009 and was sworn in on September 15, 2009.

[1] As director, Hamilton oversaw 8,700 employees who are responsible for nearly 150,000,000 acres (610,000 km2), including approximately 550 national wildlife refuges nationwide.

He was survived by his wife, Becky; sons, Sam Jr. and Clay; and a grandson, Davis.