Tawfeik Hanna

Tawfeik Hanna, age 101, of Knoxville, passed away January 7, 2019, at U.T. Medical Center. He was a critic, writer, educator, teacher, and a friend and mentor to many. He was a prolific and influential essayist, publishing regular and numerous articles in Egyptian newspapers and magazines. At age 90, he published his first book, a compilation of his most important articles focused on Egypt’s modern cultural and intellectual history and trends. His second book was published two years later. Throughout his career he was a lifelong mentor to some of Egypt’s most distinguished literary and cultural figures. His life was marked by openness, curiosity, optimism, and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sophie Kamel Gouda, and his grandson, Mark Mina Hanna. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Wahid T. Hanna and his wife Dr. Samia R. Hanna, and Rafik T. Hanna and his wife Miwako T. Hanna; grandchildren Michael Wahid Hanna and wife Mandy Lam, Maria Sophie Hanna, and Joseph R.T. Hanna; and great-grandchildren Sophie Hanna, Mia Hanna, and Tamer Hanna. The family would like to send special thanks to the U.T. Medical Center, Drs. Sameh Naguib, Nathan Smith, and Drew Kittrell, U.T. Palliative Care Services, and his caregiver, Randa Halloun. Mr. Hanna is at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, January 11th, with Father Anthony Stratis conducting a Trisagion service at 6:45. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12th, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church with Father Botros Botros of St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church of Nashville, Father Hedra Faltaous of St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church of Knoxville, Father Pavli Ebrahim of St. Pishoy Coptic Orthodox Church of Nashville, and Father Ibrahim Girgis of St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church of Chattanooga officiating. Burial will follow at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements by Berry Highland Memorial, 865-558-0567. Friends may leave their thoughts and memories at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com