Dennis Sanford Hankins

Dennis Sanford Hankins passed into eternal glory on Monday, June, 6, 2016. Dennis was born on April 4, 1955, in Huntingburg Indiana, the first of six children. Dennis grew up in Huntingburg, where he worked as a youngster delivering papers to friends and neighbors all over town. He came to faith in Jesus in the Pentecostal Tabernacle of Huntingburg, a church founded by his great- grandfather. He was called to preach the gospel at an early age, and delivered his first sermon at the age of 13. He became an itinerant preacher at the age of 18 and traveled regionally holding revivals. It was through these revival meetings that Dennis met the love of his life, Debbie Hoffee. One of his mentor pastors introduced the couple. After a whirlwind courtship and engagement, Dennis and Debbie were married in 1975. The couple embarked on a life on ministry that would include serving in United Methodist, Assembly of God, and independent Pentecostal churches. In 1997, Dennis was ordained to the priesthood in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. His faith journey eventually led him to the Roman Catholic Church, where he was an active and enthusiastic layperson, serving as a lector, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and a catechist. His “Reflections on the Readings,” a weekly article on the lectionary texts, reached thousands of readers each week and was a vital part of Dennis’s ongoing ministry as a lay leader in the Church. Dennis was a gregarious and outgoing person with a jovial personality that was enjoyed by everyone he encountered. His co-workers at First Tennessee Bank were frequently delighted by his antics, his songs, and his good humor. Many of his co-workers particularly enjoyed his appearance as a Power Ranger during a company promotion. His co-workers also experienced first-hand Dennis’s strong faith and encouraging spirit. He was an uplifting presence in any situation. Dennis was a devoted husband and father of four. His greatest pride and joy was in his children. He took the greatest pride in the success and accomplishments of his kids. Dennis is survived by his wife of 40 years; Debbie; his son Timothy; daughter-in-law Kristin (Loy); daughters Melissa, Bethany, and Heidi; brothers Paul (Marsha), Wade (Jill), and Eric (Krystal); sisters Rachel Hall (Mark) and Mary Rose Musil (Milan); brother-in-law Dennis Hoffee (Terry) ;sister-in-law Donna Vanorsdale (Jennings); nieces Miranda Walden (Derek), Devan Vanorsdale, Laura Katherine Hankins, Elizabeth Hankins ,Kathryne Hall, Mckenzie Hankins, Kierra Vanorsdale and nephews Travis Hoffee, Braden Vanorsdale, Trevor Vanorsdale, Jonathan Hall, and Lucas Hankins. He was preceded in death by his parents V. Sanford and Mary Ann Hankins. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 10,2016, at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm with a prayer vigil to follow. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday June, 11, 2016 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral at 3:00 pm with Reverend Joe Reed, Reverend Bill McNeely and Reverend Timothy S. Hankins officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Cemetery.