Professor of Russian Billy Hamilton passes away

October 9, 2021

We are saddened to announce that Professor of Russian Billy Hamilton died October 9 after living with leukemia.

Professor Hamilton, who was also a former assistant dean of the College, won the 2021 Jon Reinhardt Award for Distinguished Teaching at Wake Forest University, a fitting capstone to his 38-year career at Wake Forest.

In addition to teaching Slavic languages and linguistics, he also taught many aspiring old-time and bluegrass musicians of various abilities over the years. Professor Hamilton and his wife, Cindy, were members of the Unbroken Circle, a group of Wake Forest administrators, faculty and friends. The multigenerational music group annually raises funds for the Shalom Project at Green Street Church.

The Wake Forest community grieves Professor Hamilton’s death and extends our condolences to his family and friends, as well as those who had the opportunity to know him.

Because of Covid restrictions, rather than a formal funeral, the family is planning a musical celebration in the spring or summer of 2022. An obituary can be found here.

Wake Forest offers support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff. The Counseling Center may be reached at 336-758-5273 and the Chaplain’s Office at 336-758-5210. For faculty and staff, there is also the Employee Assistance Program at 336-716-5493.