The owner of Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory, Michael Hamlar has been highly influenced by a family who has a well-known legacy of business professionals, community leaders and entrepreneurs. Michael proudly walks in the footsteps of his forefathers and looks for every opportunity to serve his community. A product of the Roanoke County Public School System, he has served on numerous boards such as 1st Tee of Roanoke and Downtown Roanoke Inc., and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. He also joined the Board of Directors for Noah Christian Academy and was an avid supporter of this private, Christian school, which has successfully educated a multitude of children from grades pre-K – 5. He was a former Virginia Senate Candidate and served on Governor Ralph Northam’s Transition Team.
Michael is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Virginia Morticians’ Association, the President of the Delaney Court Civic League, and a Trustee of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He also serves on the Athletic Board of Directors and the Revenue Committee for Wake Forest University and the Board of Visitors for Virginia Military Institute. As the former diversity chairman, Michael played a crucial role at VMI with addressing diversity, equity and inclusion challenges at the institute during the last two years.
In 2009, Michael and his wife, Katina Casey Hamlar, started Hamlar Enterprises, which is a business brokerage firm. The firm engaged in multiple deals across this region, handling mergers, business acquisitions, business evaluations, etc. In 2012, this successful venture enabled them to expand their horizons and establish Hamlar Properties, which is a property real estate firm that manages and oversees real estate transactions. Recognized by The Blue Ridge Journal as one of the “Top 20 leaders under 40”, Michael has a true love for business and enjoys being on the cutting edge of change. Mike was the brainchild of TV Segment, “The New Virginia Economy with Mike Hamlar” and aired on-site interviews until COVID. In 2022, he opened a second location for Hamlar-Curtis in Rocky Mount, VA, and installed his own crematory in his Roanoke location. In Fall of 2023, Mike opened the Lawrence Hamlar Event Center, where families can create memories and experiences. In 2024 Mike opened the Hamlar Pet Funeral Home & Crematory located in Roanoke, VA.
Michael received his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University where he was a Seattle Bowl champion for the Demon Deacons. To enrich his knowledge of the funeral business, he also obtained an associate degree from Mortuary School at John Tyler Community College. Honored with the title of owner from his late uncle, Lawrence Hamlar, a founder of Hamlar-Curtis funeral home, Michael felt it was important to have a full understanding of the business so that he would be as effective as possible in his role. His desire to educate himself further led him to obtain his MBA from Liberty University and to complete the required coursework for his Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration of Finance from Walden University. Michael also has an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letter from Bethlehem Bible College.
A member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Michael is excited about the future that awaits him in business and the Roanoke community. Although he has a strong passion for pushing all of his businesses forward, his highest priorities are his family and his church. He is married to Katina and has three children, Simone (18), Michal (14) & Micah (11).
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