Wesley Hanks

Mr. Wesley Hanks, 81, of Montgomery, Alabama passed away unexpectedly August 22, 2021 in his home. Wesley Hanks was born in a log cabin December 20, 1939 to Homer Powell Hanks and Ruth Hill Hanks in Butler County Alabama. After graduating from Greenville High School, he served a three-year term in the United States Army in Germany as a radio operator. Following his return to civilian life, he embarked on a career of over forty years with South Central Bell, later known as AT&T. Who would have known this would lead him to the doorstep of his wife of 56 years, Mary Athey Hanks. While installing her telephone Labor Day weekend in 1964, he was smitten. On New Year’s Eve that same year, they were married at the Burkville United Methodist Church, excited to begin the new year together.

The following years included raising daughters; enjoying warm friendships through work, extended family, church, and neighbors; generously helping many people both inside and outside his family; and even a post-retirement job with ASA Airlines at Dannelly Field, which afforded the opportunity to fly all over the place with his wife. He especially enjoyed playing and cutting up with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Hanks was predeceased by his father, Homer Powell Hanks; mother, Ruth Hill Hanks; sister, Etheleen Henne; brothers-in-law, the Reverend Ed Henne and Scott Athey; sister-in-law Virginia Athey Smith; nephew, Michael Henne; and niece, Laura Hanks.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Mary Athey Hanks; daughters, Mary Beth Lightfoot (Craig), and Julie Ashmore (James); brother, Leroy Hanks (Nan); brothers-in-law, Donald Athey and Dr. Thomas Athey (Debbie); nephews Chris Hanks (Missy), Lee Hanks, Gregory Athey, Larry Athey (Gini), and Charles Athey (Cindy); nieces Sharon Blankenship, Miriam Young (Neil), Kimberly Durr, Josie Bernard (Scott), and Rebecca McClellan (Brad); grandchildren Janet Lightfoot, Matthew McCain (Kathryn); Jamie Lightfoot; Julie Lightfoot; April Falconette (Jorge), Andrew Gray (Melissa), Alex Gray (Kristina), and Sydney Ashmore; and great-grandchildren Caden Hurst, Savannah Lightfoot, Taylor Gray, Elijah Gray, and Annabelle Gray; and many precious others.

The family will receive visitors at the Harvest Family Church in Montgomery, Alabama on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 10:00am, followed by a service at 11:00am. A brief graveside service will be held at the original site of the Burkeville United Methodist Church located in Burkeville, Alabama.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Hanks family.