Hamilton Waddell III

WADDELL, Hamilton (Ham) Waddell III, 84, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. He was born May 31, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, and was a resident of Jacksonville, FL for 57 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, who dedicated his life to his loved ones, to the arts and to being happy. Ham joined the US Navy in 1950. From Boot Camp in Memphis, TN, to Parachute Rigger training in Lakehurst, NJ, to his first duty station in Chincoteague, VA, to Jacksonville, FL; on to circling the globe aboard the USS Wasp; stopping at several exciting ports of call: Italy, the Philippines, Japan, as well as enduring the ritual of crossing the equator! He returned stateside and attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He moved his growing family to Jacksonville in 1958, and was employed by Prudential Insurance for 10 years, before discovering local theater. He began as a volunteer, and was later hired by (Little) Theatre Jacksonville as Technical Director, and soon after, by the Alhambra Dinner Theatre as Set Designer. There, he enjoyed constructing sets, while working with countless talented crew members, technicians and popular celebrities—most notably Betty Grable, the dream girl of his youth. He was thrilled to have the opportunity to escort her around town. He was also part of the production crew for several feature films shot in Jacksonville, and was involved in a multitude of creative projects for local businesses, organizations and associations. Still working full time, Ham pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at the University of North Florida, which he received Magna Cum Laude, at the age of 66. His mentor at UNF, Louise Freshman Brown, helped foster his passion for painting, which led to an exhibition of his eclectic works in the Vandroff Gallery at the Jewish Community Alliance. He was particularly honored that one patron selected a piece—a large collage that dramatically depicted how it would look if the living masses of Holocaust victims were assembled in one location—which was bestowed upon the Holocaust Museum. Ham retired in 2004, after 35 glorious years at the Alhambra. Ham was known for his quick wit, and lively, unpredictable sense of humor. He delighted in weaving that into some of his paintings. Leisure activities included sculpting, designing and building furniture, attending live theater, watching movies, and filling his garage with stuff. He also loved traveling and meticulously making travel plans and itineraries. Destinations included the Bahamas, England, France, Canada, New England, and at least half of the 50 states; each had its own charm and appeal, but for Ham, paradise was found in several visits to San Francisco, and the surrounding area. Favorite memories: Walks on Fisherman’s Wharf, rides on the cable cars, excursions to Sausalito, Muir Woods, Mendocino, and all along the coast, from northern California and into Canada. He frequently returned to New York City to explore museums, take in Broadway shows, and just roam the streets of his boyhood home. The city held wonderful memories, such as going to the World’s Fair of 1939-40 too many times to count. Catching “The Wizard of Oz” on its first run; seeing just about every film released during the 1930s and 40s at venues like Radio City Music Hall and the other grand movie palaces of the era. Ham is survived by his wife of 40 years, Esta Wilson Waddell, along with his pride and joy, Sara, their devoted Corgi. He is also survived by his children, Howard (Debra) Waddell, Phyllis Ryan, Susan Waddell (Craig Lambert), of Jacksonville, Roger (Mildred) Waddell, of Green Cove Springs, FL; a sister, June Klippel, of Alpharetta, GA; two nephews, Paul (Fran) Klippel and David Klippel; two grandnieces, Sophie and Lena; three grandchildren, Kimberly (Keith) Morreira, Jesse Ryan (Amelia Norman), and Tyler (Tiffanie) Waddell, all of Jacksonville. In addition, he is survived by Cynthia Eason, the mother of his children, and her sister, Hope Barreiro; along with a host of other friends and loved ones throughout the United States and abroad. The family would like to say “Thank You” to those dear souls who have provided their time, effort and support during this trying period—you know who you are! A Special Memorial Celebration will be held at the Alhambra in the near future. If you wish to attend, and would like to receive notification of date and time, please send an email; include your name, email address, and phone number, along with a favorite memory of Ham to share: [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to your preferred charitable organization in Ham’s memory.