Donnie Ray Hanks, 83, husband of the late Rebecca Faye Robinson Hanks, of Bryant Road, passed away Friday, October 28, 2022 at his home.
Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late John Frank and Velma Jones Hanks. Upon the age of 2, following the death of his mother, he was raised by his uncle Wilbur Cromer and his aunt Laura Hanks Cromer. He was a member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. He began his employment with L.E. Hanks Construction building custom homes with his favorite beloved Uncle Leonard E. Hanks. “Uncle” Leonard was very influential in his life and this work inspired a passion for carpentry and building that would stay with him through the years. He began working with the South Carolina Wildlife and Natural Resources Department in 1969. He retired as sergeant after 25 years of faithful service. He was also commissioned as a US Deputy Game Warden in 1979. He began a military career with the South Carolina National Guard in 1960 with the 125th Engineer Company. He left that company in 1967 and re-enlisted in April 1987 with the HHB2/263 Division Air Defense Artillery Brigade and retired after 20 years of service in 1999 as a Sergeant First Class. He was a founding member of the Ebenezer Fire Department in 1973. He served as the first Fire Chief for 7 years and later served as a fireman and honorary fireman.
He received recognition for 50 years of brotherhood with the Hiram Masonic Lodge #68 in Anderson, SC. His love for farming and gardening lasted throughout the years and he continued to maintain a bountiful garden even when his health started to decline.
He was an avid collector of all things John Deere and loved going to auctions and tractor shows which inspired him to pursue and obtain a South Carolina Auctioneers License. He loved his family, and was very proud of their achievements.
Mr. Hanks is survived by his son Scott (Dee Dee) Hanks of Anderson, his daughter Lindy (Gary) Shaw of Starr; his sister Vickie Hanks (Bill) Griffin; four grandchildren: Casey (Jason) Martin, Travis (Kayla) Hanks, Reese (Leann) Shaw, and Jake (Harley) Shaw; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and his special friend and caregiver Kay Holliday, A.K.A. “Lil Bit”.
Mr. Hanks was preceded in death by his son Anthony Ray Hanks, his brother Jack Hanks, and his great-grandson Caleb Vincent Martin.
He’s now rejoicing in his heavenly home with his beloved wife Becky of 65 years and his beloved Shih Tzu Penny Sue, reuniting with family and friends that have gone on before.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at Mt Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Mark Krieger, Dr. Ron Culbertson, and Rev. Jonathan Neely officiating.
The family is at the home and will receive friends from 1-3 PM Tuesday at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, prior to the service. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com.