Raymond L. Hamill

Raymond L. Hamill passed peacefully with his family by his side December 8th, 2024 at the age of 74. His impact on Wayne County and beyond will long outlive his decades of service to others through the judicial system, church community as well as those he was blessed to call dear friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Donna Tyson Hamill, as well as children James (wife Melody Robinson) and Meredith, grandchildren Cagney & Prudence as well as his canine companion Frankie. Brother Jim Hamill (companion Barb Kenney), mother-in-law Dorothy Tyson and brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by parents James A. Hamill, Muriel Smith Hamill, and sister Josephine Hutcheson.

Ray was born in Philadelphia and raised in Glenside, PA rooting for the Phillies and Eagles. He went on to obtain a degree from Dickinson College and made lifelong friends there including fraternity brothers (SAE). Ray then received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh and began practicing law, working for Legal Services in Scranton. He would move to Honesdale in 1976 to run the Legal Services office until joining partner Stephen Jennings, Esq. in 1978 in private practice. He would have two more partners over his career and many dedicated employees. In addition, Ray was trusted to be solicitor for several school districts and municipalities over the years. He fondly considered helping his clients as his most rewarding work in the legal profession. Raymond was elected Wayne County District Attorney in 1984, serving two terms. He then was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Wayne County in 2007, serving as President Judge until 2017 when he assumed the position of Senior Judge serving Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. He was instrumental in starting the county's first-ever drug court at the end of his elected term, aimed at helping those battling addiction. After retiring from the bench, Ray represented the Susquehanna Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church as Chancellor. He retired from that service in 2021.

In his personal life, Ray acted in Center Stage, a local performance group, where he met his wife, Donna. He played pickup basketball around the area, golfed (using a 1 iron off the tee), sang in the choir at Central United Methodist Church and taught Disciple Bible Study, coached softball and baseball teams, preached as a lay person at various churches, including serving as Conference Lay Leader, the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee and served as one of the original members of the United Methodist Connectional Table, the organization which planned and oversaw the mission, ministry and finances of the international United Methodist Church. He has been a member of the Wayne County YMCA and served as President of that organization. He has served on the Wayne Memorial Health System and Hospital Board and served as President of those organizations and was a member of the Lions Club and a board member of the Wayne County Community Foundation.

Ray was kind, compassionate, generous, affable, fun-loving and wise beyond his years. While he lived a full life, he battled several ailments over the years with conviction. He was determined to live out his days savoring the relationships and natural beauty all around him - and remained humble and loving until his last breath.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Historic Courtroom of The Wayne County Courthouse, 925 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 with Rev. Gregory Myers and Rev. Robert Kazinski officiating. Everyone attending is asked to enter at the main entrance of the Courthouse. If any attendee requires elevator access, please enter at the Sheriff's Office at the Courthouse Annex on ground level.

In accordance with the Hamill family's wishes, kindly omit flowers. Contributions to causes in Ray's memory can be made to the Wayne County Community Foundation c/o Substance Abuse, Education and Awareness Fund or Wayne Memorial Hospice Program. The Hamill family shares its appreciation to the hospice team, Edward Howell and his staff, as well as the countless ways the community has supported them throughout.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com