Deacon William Edward Hanks, Jr., 86, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3. He was born on Oct. 1, 1938, in Birmingham and grew up in West End. He graduated from Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and attended John Carroll Catholic High School for 2 years before transferring to and graduating from Marion Military Institute. Hanks served in the United States Navy from 1957-1961. Following his service, he graduated from Auburn University in 1966 with a degree in industrial engineering and went on to graduate school at Loyola and UAB. 

Deacon Hanks met the love of his life, Dora, while working at Bama Foods, and they married on July 15, 1961. Being deeply religious, Deacon Hanks was among the second class to be ordained permanent deacons in 1977 for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. He served for many years at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood as well as Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Birmingham. In addition to his ministry, Deacon Hanks enjoyed a long career with Southern Company. 

The deacon was preceded in death by his parents; William and Elizabeth Hanks; his sister, Mary Elizabeth Barrington; and by his granddaughter, Ashley Elizabeth Collins. He is survived by his wife, Dora; his daughters, Barbara Gray (Stephen), Suzanne Collins (Brian), and Mary Measel (Andy); his son, William Edward Hanks lll; 8 grandchildren, Dylan (Allison), Evan, Morgan, Madison, Alex, Garrison, Carter, and Maegan; and one great grandson, Hudson Gray. 

Visitation will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover on Monday Nov. 11 from 9:30-11 a.m. with the funeral Mass immediately following. A private burial for the family will be held the next day at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Deacon Hanks may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.