Henry Parrish Hanna

June 1, 1921 – November 9, 2013

Henry P. Hanna, of Vestavia Hills, AL passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2013. The second of four sons born to Lafayette Randolph and Kathryn Parrish Hanna he leaves behind a life of 92 years dedicated to serving God and his family and all of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his first granddaughter, Kathleen Suzanne Spruill; his son, Henry Parrish Hanna, Jr.; two brothers, Beaty Hanna of Mountain Brook and Mark Hanna of Athens, GA.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Louise Greene Hanna; 3 daughters, Patricia H. Spruill (Paul) and Kathryn H. Hosmer (Floyd) of Vestavia Hills and Marie H. “Bitsy” Nelson (Craig) of Millbrook, AL; six grandchildren, Rev. Mark T. Spruill, Laura S. Callender (Thomas), Christopher M. Hosmer (Caren), John A. Hosmer (Kate), Richard C. Nelson (Alison) and Daniel A. Nelson (Christy)p; 12 great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Matthew, Joseph and Isaac Hosmer; Dylan and Lydia Hosmer; Hanna, Austin, and Corey Nelson; and Alex, Anabelle and Noah Nelson; one brother, Lafayette Randolph Hanna (Gloria) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hanna graduated from Shades Cahaba Elementary School in Homewood before leaving for Bell Buckle, TN to attend The Webb School. He was Class President in 1939, the year he graduated. He went on to attend Birmingham Southern College where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity, as well as Eta Sigma Phi and Kappa Phi Kappa honorary fraternities. He graduated in 1943. He then went to New York to Columbia University to attend Naval Officer Training under the V-7 program where in graduated to the rank of Ensign. A veteran of World War II, he saw action aboard the U.S.S. LST 358 where he served as Stores Officer, Gunnery Officer and First Lieutenant. He came home on leave and married the love of his long life, his bride of now 69 years, on February 4, 1945. His next orders were to report to the U.S.S. LST 397 where he served as Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of the ship. He returned to Birmingham where he held several positions, first at Yeilding Brothers, The Farm Store, and Paint Products Co. He and his brother, L.R. Hanna hung their shingle out and in 1950 Hanna and Hanna Accountants was born in Homewood. For the next 25 years Henry served a multitude of clients as their accountant. In 1976 he served with the firm of Lovoy and Summerville, CPA, where he retired in 1986. He served as a member of the Vestavia Lions Club, National Society of Public Accountants and the Metropolitan Kiwanis Club.

A member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood he practiced his faith and instilled in his family the Christian values of dedication, reverence, love, generosity, perseverance and forgiveness. Many a vacation saw him driving his family 30 miles to go to church on Sunday.

A devoted husband and father, Henry taught his children and grandchildren the value of commitment. He strived to uphold the mission statement of his beloved Webb School. “To turn out young people who are tireless workers, and who know how to work effectively; who are accurate scholars; who know the finer points of morals and practice them in their daily living; who are always courteous.” He accomplished his mission.

He leaves behind so many beautiful memories, with Christmas being the most precious to his loving family. It was his favorite time of year as he gathered the family in the car for a trip downtown to walk the pavement and see the mechanical bear displays at Loveman’s and Pizitz. Window shopping was a must, and many a Christmas morning our dreams were found under the tree. Hickory Road is not the same without the multi-colored lights on the huge Christmas tree in the front yard. The family tradition of reading Clement C. Moore’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” has passed from one generation to the next.

In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts be sent to: Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Building Fund – 1728 Oxmoor Rd – Bham, AL 35209; Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word – 5821 Old Leeds Rd – Irondale, AL 35210; Marine Toys for Tots Foundation – P.O. Box 4002896 – Des Moines, IA 50340

The family will receive friends Monday, November 12 at 4-6 p.m. at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood. Also, visitation will be Tuesday, November 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.