John Hanks Jr.

John Hanks Obituary

John V. Hanks Jr. NORFOLK - John Virgil Hanks Jr., also affectionately known as "Sonny," passed away suddenly at his home in Ocean View Friday, Nov. 13. At his side were his wife Betty and neighbors Bill and Cynthia. John was a retiree from Ford Motor Company of 35 years. He was a lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He also enjoyed a great game of poker especially when he won. John was always lending a helping hand to his neighbors and friends. The satisfaction of fixing a neighbors' maintenance problem was reward enough. He will be dearly missed for years to come. Born on Jan. 29, 1932 in Norfolk, John was preceded in death by his parents, John Virgil Sr. and Lois Cummings Hanks; the love of his life for 36 years, Doris Jean Alexander; and brothers, George, Charlie and Horace Hanks. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 16 years, Betty Blake Hanks; daughter, Deborah Lee Asbell and her husband Raymond; sons, John Virgil "Witt" Hanks III, Kenneth Ray Hanks and his wife Kathy, Blake Edward Hanks and his wife Donna Jean; a brother, Guy Douglas; sisters, Nancy Vollman, Irene Holder, Anita Shepherd and Judy Parker; eight grandchildren, Rocky, Elliott, John, Matthew, Kacey, Jake, Daniel and Sonny; five great-grandchildren, Tanner, Macy, Brianne, Shia and Scott. John is also survived by stepchildren, Michael "Micky" Blake, Tami Meier and her husband Bob and Amanda Fry and her husband Jerry; eight grandkids, Steve, Shanon, Taylor, Ryan, Kari, Britni, Kaci and Ty. In life there is death, and in death there is life and that is why John requested his body be donated so that while many benefited from John's life, many more may benefit by his death. In lieu of a funeral, there will be a celebration of life on Nov. 20, at the banquet room of Honey Bee Golf Course, 2500 S. Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, starting at 6 p.m. followed by food and fellowship. Anyone who would like to pay tribute is welcome to attend. For any questions or special request, you may contact Blake Hanks at 630-6069.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Hanks

12 Entries

Kirby Kellam

November 24, 2009

Dear Hanks Family,

We send our deepest condolences to your family during this difficulty time. It's been many years since we were young and our parents were close living in Pungo.
Our prayers are with each one of you.

The Malbone Family
- Horace, Dennis, Rusty and Kirby

November 18, 2009

Condolences to the family,Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time.

THE VAUGHAN FAMILIES,
Earl Macon Vaughan Sr,Macon Vaughan Jr., Tony Vaughan,Estelle Vaughan-Slick,Teresa Chappell, Lewis Vaughan(Macon's Brother)

Terri hanks

November 17, 2009

Dear aunt Betty, and my cousins Debbie,whitt,kenney,and Blake.

I just wanted to let you all know that you are in my thoughts. I loved uncle sonny alot and was so glad I got to spend time with you all this summer.I look forward to the next time. Uncle sonny will surly be missed . thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love ya"s

Cindy Hammerbeck

November 17, 2009

Dear Betty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time in your life. John was a great man and will be missed by all. Steve & Shanon thought of him as a special Grandfather.
Love , Cindy

Sarah Matthews

November 17, 2009

To The Hanks Family,

You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Love,

Sarah

Lois (Hanks) Lunn

November 16, 2009

Betty,Debbie,Witt,Kenny,Blake and families,
Just want to let you all know that your father, mY uncle was a very loved man. All of us kids from Maine loved to come to visit. He always made us feel like we were the most important kids in the world. Of course we are all grown up now but I still tell my kids of the many fun times we spent visiting. I always wished we would have lived closer. I am so glad that my sisters and I were able to come for a visit this past July. We spent the day at the beach and then Betty cooked fried fish and Uncle Sonny was serving us. He always made us feel very welcome in his home. Many fond memories of the great parties he and Aunt Doris always had every year. He is going to be very missed by his nieces and nephews from Maine. We Loved him very much!
Much Love
Lois (Hanks) Lunn

Julie Chappell

November 16, 2009

Blake, Kenny, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dear father's passing. Our thought's are with you and may your family find peace at this difficult time.

Stanley Wilson & Julie Chappell

Harriet Mason Wicks

November 16, 2009

Dear Betty, Hanks/ Blake Families:

Our Lives were entwined for so many Years in so many ways. May the love
Of God and your wonderful memories of John, as Husband, Father, Step-Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather and most of all a wonderful friend to so many people, be a comfort to you.
John was so much, to so many. John and Doris were God-Parents to our youngest son Timothy Mason Wicks, and the ties that bound our friendship will never be forgotten. All of our lives are richer because of our friendship with John.

Forever Friends,

Harriet Mason Wicks, Larry (deceased), Bo and Tim Wicks

Lynette Ellis Metz

November 16, 2009

Although my sister, Christine, has shared condolences with you for the Ellis family, I would like to extend mine as well. It is hard to accept the passing of loved ones but there is also the joy in remembering their love & the stories you shared with them throughout your lives.
I would like to share a memory with you. One summer, y'all were going to the beach & some of the Ellis kids were going with you. I was so excited! Being the youngest, there had to be a way NOT to take me! I had on my bathing suit but, Daddy "had to make a trip over to Robbin's." So, he invited me to go & put me in his bicycle basket! I told y'all to wait for me! As soon as we were out of sight, y'all left! I hope I have put a smile on your faces! Mine did not have one that day when we got back but there is one now. Peace and love to all of you.
Lynette

November 15, 2009

My prayers and thoughts are with you all during your loss.

May God's peace and love comfort each of you and draw you close to Him who gives life and sets the course of our days.

God bless,
Terry Peltier

Beth Swanner

November 15, 2009

A POEM TO SHARE WITH THE HANKS FAMILY

LIFE'S A BEACH
''The tide recedes, but leaves behind
Bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
Still lingers on the land.
The music stops and yet it echoes on
In sweet refrains..
For every joy that passes,
Something beautiful remains.''
MAY YOUR MEMORIES BRING YOU COMFORT AND
KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES CLOSE IN YOUR HEART...My Deepest Sympathy,Love and Prayers, Beth Swanner....

Christine Ellis Haddaway

November 15, 2009

Dear Guy, Nancy, Irene, Anita, Judy and family,

Please know that you are all in the hearts and prayers even of friends of many years ago. Though it has been so long ago since I last saw you, memories of the Hanks and Ellis families on W 27th St close that gap with your loss of John.

May God's Grace, Peace and His Love through His Son, Jesus Christ be with you always.

May your love and memories of John help to ease the pain of your loss.

Love and prayers,
Christine Ellis Haddaway

(Mary Elizabeth, Phyllis, Carolyn (deceased), Christine, Buddy and Lynette, the children of Mary & Raymond Ellis)

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