OCONEE COUNTY, GA — The soul of Bishop, Georgia, has been shaken to its core. On Friday, July 30, 2025, Hamilton “Hamp” Foster, 63, a man whose daily presence was as constant and comforting as the sunrise, was tragically struck and killed while walking near his home, just feet from the place where he was born, lived, and belonged.
It happened near the intersection of Highway 441 and High Shoals Road, a stretch of road Hamp had walked faithfully for decades. But this walk, so familiar and sacred, became his last.
A Presence That Transcended Routine
Hamp Foster wasn’t just a resident of Oconee County—he was its rhythm. Known for his immaculate suits, razor-sharp wit, and easy, radiant smile, he was a man who turned every stroll into a social event, every stop into an embrace, and every moment into a memory.
He was a fixture at local stores like Golden Pantry and Dollar General, where staff affectionately called him their “honorary employee.” He didn’t clock in, but his presence made their days brighter, their work more joyful. Hamp wasn’t on the payroll—he was in their hearts.
“He never met a stranger,” his family said. “He walked into rooms like the sun comes over the horizon—soft but impossible to ignore.”
The Final Walk
On that Friday afternoon, around 1:00 p.m., Hamp was doing what he always did: walking, smiling, being present. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, he was struck by a vehicle—his final steps taken on his sister Loretta’s birthday, compounding a day of celebration with unspeakable grief.
Matthew Buren Hicks, 48, of Bishop, was arrested later that same day and charged with homicide by vehicle in the second degree, a misdemeanor. He was booked into the county jail and later released on $2,000 bond. Authorities have yet to release further information, and the family continues to press for clarity and answers.
A Life Lived on Purpose
Born November 13, 1961, Hamp graduated from Oconee County High School in 1979 and attended Fort Valley State University. But his calling wasn’t found in classrooms—it was found in the earth, the sweat, the spirit of hard work. He joined his father in the family concrete business, pouring driveways and foundations with his hands—and, more importantly, with his heart.
“These weren’t just jobs,” his family said. “They were sermons in patience, lessons in strength, and testimonies of faith.”
He never needed a platform to lead. Hamp led with laughter, dressed like a king, and carried himself with the humble confidence of someone who understood the real currency of life—relationships.
In his prime, he was called “the sharpest dresser in Oconee County”, a title earned not just by clothes, but by carriage. Every tie knot, every polished shoe, every step was done with intention. He walked like he belonged—and he did.
He was cared for in recent years by his beloved mother, Lillian Foster, and devoted sister, Loretta, who helped him maintain a vibrant, independent life well into his sixties.
A Grief That Stands Still
His death has left a silence that echoes. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers have come forward with memories—offering rides on hot days, waving from porches, laughing at his jokes. His absence is loud, because Hamp was never just passing through. He was rooted, he was present, and he was cherished.
“He had a laugh that made you forget the weight of the day,” one neighbor said. “And he wore his joy like a second skin.”
Honoring His Journey
A public viewing will be held on Monday, August 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home in Athens.
His funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 5 at noon, at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1340 Freemans Creek Road in Farmington.
His Legacy: Bigger Than a Moment, Deeper Than a Loss
In a world that often moves too fast, Hamp Foster slowed us down—reminding us to say hello, to wear what makes us feel proud, to laugh loud and love harder. His family wants the world to remember not just how he died, but how he lived.
“He was more than a victim,” they said. “He was a light, a brother, a son, a legend in motion. And we will not let his name be reduced to a moment.”
Today, Bishop grieves not just a man, but a presence—a daily reassurance that love still walked these roads.
May the streets of Heaven be smooth under your feet, Hamp. And may your walk never end.
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