Jimmie Alvin “Jim” Hanna, 87, of Waldron, passed away quietly at home on Sunday, November 5, 2023 with his loved ones by his side. Jim was born on September 13, 1936, in Honey Grove, TX. He was the fifth of eight children born to Joe Olvin and Lillie Mae Martin Hanna.
Jim graduated in 1956 from Childress High School in Craighead Co., Arkansas. It was there in northeast Arkansas that he met Lillian Fortson, the woman who would become his wife on September 7, 1957, and together with whom he would make a life for the next 66 years, which would include three children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim worked hard to provide his family with a good life, and was a wonderful example of a supportive, faithful, Godly and loving husband, father and grandfather. After moving his family to Scott County, Jim made his living as a carpenter and master cabinet maker. Later, with Lillian by his side, they built up their Parks farm by adding broiler houses and a successful feeder calf operation. Jim served on the Parks Fire Department and in different roles as a member of Parks Baptist Church and later at Temple Baptist Church in Waldron where he again set an example for his children and family as a faithful servant of God. He loved to fish, to watch sports, to build wooden items in his shop, to laugh and tell stories, and to spend time with his family.
Jim is survived by his wife, Lillian; a son, James Hanna and wife Ginger; a daughter, Elainea Allen and husband Joe; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Hanna; six grandchildren: Jimmy Hanna, Charlie Allen, Jenny Ravey, Hannah McCullah, Montana Jennings, and Michael Hanna; a step-grandson Indy Luther; and twelve great-grandchildren: Braden, Caden, Kennedy and Kadie Hanna; Briar Allen; Jacob and Rylee Ravey; Allen McCullah; Legend and Ellis Turpin and Onalee Jennings; and step-great-grandson, Gabriel Luther; sisters Joyce Byford and Peggy Collins; brothers Butch Hanna and Jerry Hanna; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Welcoming Jim in Glory are his parents, Joe and Lillie Hanna; a son, Kenneth Hanna; a grandson Christopher Hanna; a half-brother John Hanna; a half-sister, Zana Hanna; a brother, Joe Hanna, Jr.; and two sisters, Betty Byford and Billie Cox.
Jim’s graveside service will be Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Square Rock Cemetery in Waldron, AR, with Bro. Jack Smith and Rev. George Barham officiating. Visitation for friends and loved ones will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. before the service at Heritage Funeral Home in Waldron.
The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to Jim’s doctors, nurses and aides who have taken loving care of him over the last year. To everyone at Gentiva Hospice, Pinnacle In-Home Care group, Amenda, Diane, Vicki, Brooke, and everyone who helped in any way, we thank you so much.
