He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 28,1953 to Rufus and Catherine Hankerson. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1971 and subsequently enlisted in the United States Air Force in July of 1972 where he served as a Senior Airman until July of 1978. During this time period, he attended San Antonio College where he obtained an Associate Degree. It was here that he met his beloved future wife, Ms. Felion McMillion, a Registered Nurse. They were married on June 29, 1974. He then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and was enrolled in the Air Force Senior Reserve Officers Training Corps program. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force to serve as a Personnel Officer. He obtained a Master’s degree in Business Management from Troy University while serving in Valdosta, Georgia.
His illustrious military career spanned nearly 28 years in positions of increased responsibility and would take him to numerous locations throughout the United States and abroad. These duty locations included: Osan, Korea; San Antonio, Texas; Valdosta, Georgia; Hampton, Virginia; Washington, DC; the Netherlands (Air Force Command, Brunssum); Phoenix, Arizona and Washington, DC culminating with his final assignment at the Pentagon.
His military education and training included the Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College.
Having served honorably in every duty position at every assigned duty station, he received numerous awards and decorations commensurate with his rank to include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with 4 devices; Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 devices; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Device; Air Force Organizational Excellence Award; Air Force Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal with 1 device; Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon; Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Service Award with 5 devices; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/ Pistol; and the Air Force Training Ribbon with 1 device.
Upon his military retirement from active-duty service in the US Air Force in August of 2000, he continued his love and passion for service as a government service leader within the Department of Labor Federal Contract Compliance Program. Serving as a Regulation Branch Manager, he was a staunch advocate for Veterans and minorities, to include women. He retired from the Department of Labor in April of 2011 having served in total more than 39 years of honorable federal service.
Terry played football and numerous sports in high school; was a very capable athlete, an avid golfer, and staunch Washington football fan; and enjoyed traveling to sports tournaments with friends. Earlier in his life, as a selfless volunteer, he sponsored and coached the Omaha Little League Baseball Team.
He was a loving husband to his wife of nearly 47 years who survives him, Mrs. Felion M. Hankerson; a devoted father to his son, Justin R. Hankerson and wife, Amy; a revered brother to three sisters and one brother: Dorothy Patterson and husband, Melvin (deceased); Barbara Morgan (deceased) and husband, Robert (deceased); Gloria Artis and husband Melvin; and Larry Hankerson and wife Harriet; a beloved grandfather to three grandchildren, Olivia, Ava and Brooklynn; and adored brother to three brothers-in-law and four sisters in law: Danvus McMillion and wife, Ina; Faith Mingo; Gwen Bingham and husband, Patrick; and Michael McMillion and wife, Amy; and highly favored by all his nieces, nephews and host of relatives and friends.
The Hankerson Family appreciates the many expressions of love, friendship and support during this time and requests that any donations be made in Terry’s honor to the American Stroke Association at 1-888-478-7653.
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