On Sept 6, 2024, Leroy Hamilton aka Johnny Thunder, died in Lake Mary Fl of natural causes. He was 93 years of age.
Johnny is survived by his wife Millie Thunder; his children Dale Hamilton, Lennard Hamilton, Kevin Hamilton, Gina Busby and step-daughter Dolores Cowart; His grandchildren Brian and Erik Hamilton, Rashasri and Princilla Hamilton, Keith and Kendra Hamilton, and Tyler and Dylan Busby, 7 great grandchildren and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Willie Hamilton and Christine Tyndell.
Johnny was born on August 15,1931, in Okahumpka, FL. He attended Florida A&M in 1951 before leaving for New York City to pursue his music career. He filled in with the Drifters and the Ink Spots for a short time and worked as a studio session singer backing Dionne Warrick and others. In 1963, Johnny struck gold with his single “Loop de Loop” which reached #4 on Billboard’s top 100 chart. Johnny had a wonderful career touring with many great musical artists he called friends. He spent his last years of entertaining as a cruise ship headliner. He always loved his work, being with the people and entertaining a crowd. Over the years he has had many hobbies and pastimes, he enjoyed bowling, golf, cars, theme parks, being with family and enjoying life to the fullest.
A memorial service for Johnny Thunder is scheduled for Sunday Sept 22, 2:00 p.m. at First Covenant Church in Winter Park, FL. It will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life reception.