The city of Gainesville is mourning the loss of Robert “Bob” L. Hamrick Sr. – the longest-serving member of the Gainesville City Council. Hamrick, who served on council for 46 years, died on Monday, March 10 at the age of 96.
With prior service as both mayor and council member, Hamrick’s leadership spanned from 1970 to 2015. His tenure included multiple terms as mayor from 1973 to 2007.
Under Hamrick’s guidance, Gainesville saw progress in becoming one of the first cities to earn a spot on the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and Georgia Trend Magazine’s joint Cities of Excellence list.
The city also received the prestigious GMA Trendsetter Award. Additionally, Gainesville was granted Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) designation by the Federal Office of Management and Budget. By 2015, under Hamrick’s leadership, Gainesville had become the fourth-fastest-growing MSA in the United States, with over 77,000 people employed by numerous Fortune 500 companies in the area.
In recognition of his dedication to public service, the city’s departments thrived under Hamrick’s leadership, earning multiple accolades.
Notable achievements include the Gainesville Police Department’s national accreditation since 1993, the Gainesville Fire Department’s Class II ISO insurance rating, and the Gainesville Housing Division’s Magnolia Award of Excellence. Other honors include awards for the revitalization of downtown through Main Street Gainesville, along with recognition for the city’s water systems and senior services.
Even after retiring, Hamrick remained deeply involved in the city’s ongoing development, continuing to serve on various boards and committees.
City officials said Hamrick’s contributions to Gainesville shaped the city into what it is today, and his passing marks the loss of a beloved leader.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 14, at Gainesville First United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow in the Gathering Room. The community is invited to join in honoring his memory and celebrating his incredible life of service.
