Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy J. Robert 'Robbie' Hamrick Obituary

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — J. Robert "Robbie" Hamrick passed away on August 11, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Robbie was born on May 16, 1940 in Carrollton, GA,the son of William Grady and Clara Williams Hamrick. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Linda Hamrick, Cumming Ga; son W. Brent Hamrick and granddaughter, Erin Hamrick, Bethlehem, GA; brother, William Hamrick (spouse Dottie); nephews: Bill Hamrick (spouse Susan); Bo Hamrick (spouse CB), Carrollton, GA; Andy Hamrick (spouse Erin); and Jamie Hamrick, Carrollton, GA. Survivors also include several great-nieces and nephews.

Robbie was a Christian and loved the Lord. He was a kind, gentle and caring man; a man of strength and integrity who loved his family and friends and law enforcement. He enjoyed traveling, spending time at the beach, and golf.

(For more news like this, sign up for Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news in Cumming — or other neighborhoods. Access Patch on the go with our iPhone app or our brand new app for Android phone users.)

Robbie began his career with the Georgia Department of Public Safety. He was appointed as Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in 1969. He later served as Squad Commander, Criminal Intelligence Unit; Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office; Inspector of Field Operations; Director of the Investigative Division, and as Supervisor of Investigations on the Atlanta Murdered and Missing Children Task Force. On September 1, 1985, he was appointed Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and served in that capacity until September 1, 1993, retiring after 35 years of service to the State of Georgia.On January 1. 2001, he was appointed by Sheriff Ted Paxton as Chief Deputy, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.He has received national recognition and served on the boards of various crime fighting organizations throughout his career. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he is Past President of this prestigious organization. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute.Robbie was invited by the Department of Justice and the FBI to serve on the National Infrastructure Protection Study Group as one of five representatives from local and state law enforcement nationwide.

He received both undergraduate and master's degrees in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. He served on the board of the Georgia State University Alumni Association and the College of Public and Urban Affairs Advisory Board. He was recognized as a distinguished alumnus of DeKalb College.

He was a member of the South Forsyth Rotary Club, Forsyth County Arts Alliance Board, Forsyth County YMCA Board, and served on the Board of Directors for the Bald Ridge Lodge, a shelter for troubled boys. He was an active member of Johns Creek Baptist Church where he served as Chairperson of the Board of Deacons.

The family will receive friends at McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming, GA, on Saturday, August 18th, 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 19th, at 3:00 pm at Johns Creek Baptist Church, 6910 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Alpharetta, GA.Rev. Roger Williams, Dr. Shaun King, and Rev. David White will officiate. The State Patrol will serve as Pallbearers and Vernon Keenan, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, will be his honorary escort.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johns Creek Baptist Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.Arrange... by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040, 770-886-9899.

»Information from the McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory
Photo courtesy Forsyth County Sheriff's Office