Terrence Acker Hanks

Funeral services for Terrence Acker Hanks, age 92, of Whitehouse, are scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2015, 10:00am at Whitehouse United Methodist Church with Rev. Matt Thomas and Rev. Sherman Mayfield officiating. Interment will follow in Whitehouse Cemetery under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 6:00pm-8:00pm at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler. Mr. Hanks died on Sunday, February 1, 2015, following a brief illness.

Acker was born February 26, 1922, in Whitehouse to Terrence Powderly "T.P." and Addie Mae Hanks. He graduated from Whitehouse High School in 1940. Following graduation, he graduated from Tyler Commercial College in 1941 with a certificate in accounting. He worked for Trailways Bus Line as a ticket salesman, accountant, and driver. On January 21, 1942, he married Allean Norman. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 27, 1942. Acker and Allean’s son, Terry Gordon Hanks, was born on July 7, 1944. Acker was discharged from the Air Corps on December 3, 1945, at the end of World War II.

Throughout high school and his years with the Air Corps, Acker developed skills in basketball. In 1946, legendary coach, Floyd Wagstaff, offered him an opportunity to play basketball for Tyler Junior College. He was the first athlete recruited by Coach Wagstaff. After attending Tyler Junior College, Acker graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1949, with a Bachelor of Science. Acker was inducted into the Tyler Junior College Circle of Honor on February 19, 2011.

Acker taught for five years in New Waverly. He and his family moved back to east Texas where he became the principal of Bullard Elementary School for two years and the Whitehouse Elementary School principal for nine years. In 1966, he returned to the classroom to teach agriculture at Whitehouse High School until he retired in 1985.

In 1979, Acker married Bobbie Joyce Hearon. Acker served four terms on the Whitehouse City Council and one term as mayor of the city of Whitehouse. Acker was always a farm boy at heart! He established a large cattle operation that he sold in 1992. Acker and Bobbie were named 2002 Whitehouse Mr. and Mrs. Yesteryear. They were instrumental in establishing the Whitehouse YMCA and the construction of the Whitehouse Meals on Wheels building. As a couple they enjoyed square dancing, traveling, and camping with friends. Hunting with his son and grandsons was one of his passions. Most of Acker’s adult life was spent working with many students in the Future Farmers of America program.

Acker is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Sterl Hanks; and sister-in-law, Yuba Hanks.

Acker is survived by his wife of 35 years, Bobbie; and son, Terry and wife, Thelma Joe Hanks, of Whitehouse. He is survived by four stepchildren, Linda Ham, Maria Davenport and husband, Joe, Larry Hearon, Kenneth Hearon and wife, Sue. He is survived by three grandsons, Dee Hanks and wife, Julie, of Flint, Ron Hanks and wife, Barbara, of Talty, Mike Hanks and wife, Ronna, of Whitehouse. He is survived by seven step-grandchildren. He is survived by five great-grandchildren, Andrew Hanks and wife, Lindsay, of Tyler, Collin Hanks and wife, Jessica, of Tyler, Grant Hanks, of Flint, Clay Hanks of Whitehouse, Halie Hanks of Whitehouse; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. He is survived by two great-great-grandsons, Jayden Hanks and Kye Hanks, of Tyler. He is survived by nieces, Becky Goldsmith and husband, Glen, of Palestine and Glenda Johnson and husband, Johnny, of Weatherford.

Pallbearers will be Dee Hanks, Ron Hanks, Mike Hanks, Andrew Hanks, Collin Hanks, Grant Hanks, and Clay Hanks.

Honorary pallbearers will be former agriculture teachers, former FFA officers, and former members of the Whitehouse Young Farmers Association.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Tina Russell for her long-term care of Mr. Hanks. Thanks also to the nurses and staff at Hospice East Texas in Tyler.

Memorials may be made to Whitehouse United Methodist Church, Whitehouse Meals on Wheels, Whitehouse YMCA, Whitehouse FFA or Tyler Junior College.