Pete Hanna was a special kind of man. We had Howard College (Samford) , the Bulldogs football team and later on became great friends through Alabama football. Pete was our first skybox owner. He loved the Crimson Tide. 
Pete was a committed Christian. When you saw "John 3:16" on a donor's plague, you knew the donor was Pete Hanna. His Christian witness will live on at Samford through the Pete Hanna Center "The Pete" and the Pete Hanna Football Stadium. We were together when he made the RISE Center possible at the University of Alabama through his relationship with Coach Gene Stallings and his son Johnny. A great friend who will be solely missed.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (like Pete Hanna),,,Psalm 116:15
Wayne Atcheson, Charlotte, NC

I met Pete in the 1980’s at a little gym near the eye hospital. I was 40 and he was almost 50. He started teasing me and I gave it back. It was a casual friendship that developed into more than that. That was Pete Hanna. He was a serious man but he didn’t take himself too seriously.

Ten years later I met the family of Helen Keller. We started the incredibly successful Helen Keller Eye Research Foundation. Pete Hanna and Hanna Steel became its most consistent supporters.

A million people a year now have vision restored using techniques enabled by Pete, and the recipients of new vision will never know it. Instead, at Pete’s direction, the attribution “John 3:16” can be seen forever where these advances are described in the scientific literature.

Christi, I just learned of Pete’s passing and cannot catch a flight that will arrive in time to attend tomorrow’s service. Pete was always one of my favorite guys. Always wearing a big smile, always generous, and always with the best boat. I hate that I cannot be there. My condolences. ~Jeff Burnham

Mr. Hanna was such a wonderful man. He always treated his employees just like family. I always enjoyed hearing stories about him growing up. Thankful my grandfather retired from Hanna and my husband enjoys being employed there currently. We send our prayers and love to Mr. Hanna’s family during this difficult time.

Wishing peace and love upon Mr. Hannah's family. As a former resident of Big Oak Boys Ranch, I will always cherish his and your families generosity. You all made several of our dreams come true.

My sincere condolences are extended to all family members during this difficult period of mourning.  Pete and I were students at Howard college and PKA fraternity members during the late 50s’.  We remained friends over the years and never lost contact.  I’ll always remember his kind soul.  Jerry cargile Howard graduate’58 Baton Rouge, La.

I am so saddened by the death of Pete Hanna. He performed miracles for the Rise Program. He donated one million dollars in order for us to have The Stallings Center. He was generous with a heart of gold. He had a special friendship with Johnny Stallings. After the family moved back to Paris Texas, Pete would let us fly out to get him so he could be with his friends in Tuscaloosa. . Johnny always said that he loved Pete Hanna and the feeling was mutual. I can’t possibly relate all of the kindness he demonstrated. He was one  special person and he changed the Rise Program forever.

Our fondest memory of Mr. H was sitting in his office talking about our kids, grandkids and our dogs. Don and I are thankful for his trust in us to care for his dogs at corporate and at the Fairfield plant over the years. We fostered many dogs for Mr. Hanna until they could find permanent homes. Don has spent over 40 years working for Hanna Steel. It wasn't just a job, it was and always will be family. Pete Hanna made us all a part of his family. He has been mentor to many young men, my grandson is one of them. I thank God for blessing us with the privilege to know such an amazing man. Enjoy your heavenly home Sir. May it shine with all your heavenly rewards! We will sorrow fully miss you. For as many good things that you did in life, we will shed as many tears at your death.         Don and Cindy Malone

Sad to hear the news of Mr. Pete's passing but he's healed by the grace of our Mighty God. I workd for him 30 years and found him more than an employer he was a friend. He will be missed by all who new him. Rest in peace 🙏

It has been a great honor working for Pete. I love taking pictures of him when he was going out on the boat.  He enjoyed it so much. It was his getaway. We all would  sit around the table and laugh and talk and just have a great visit. A wonderful man that is going to be greatly missed.

Pete was the epitome of a man after God’s own heart. He leaves a legacy of servitude and selflessness. He was one of the most giving individuals who poured himself into the lives and future of so many people. He will be missed, but oh I bet he is celebrating being at home with Jesus and walking around with a massive crown of glory!

Christina Sullivan

OBITUARY

Pete Michael Hanna

August 23, 1936 – May 25, 2025

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

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