Johnny Thunder

On Sept 6, 2024, “Gilbert” 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 pm at First Covenant Church in Winter Park, FL. It will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life reception.