Obituaries

William "Bill" Hanson

Photo of William "Bill" Hanson
William "Bill" Hanson, 83, of Stamps, Arkansas passed away peacefully at home with his family and friends at his side on Wednesday August 19, 2015. He was born and raised in the Mt. Vernon Community of Waldo, Arkansas to the late Fred and Louella Hanson. He graduated from Magnolia High School in 1950, Southern State College in 1955, completed two years with the U.S. Navy, being stationed in San Diego, California, until his honorable discharge in 1957, and later completed his master's degree at University of Arkansas in 1961. He was a lifelong public school administrator, English, and Music teacher, with 43 years of experience, seven years in Emerson, Arkansas and 36 years in Stamps, Arkansas. He was the Music Minister of First Baptist Church of Stamps for 20 years and also served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed playing the piano, singing, entertaining friends and family, traveling, attending church, and riding a good horse. He loved life. He loved Christ and he loved people. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Ellen Hanson, one son, Jeff Hanson and wife Mandy of Waldo, Arkansas, one daughter, Laurie Dunlap and husband Rich of Texarkana, Texas; four grandchildren, Brice Hanson, Brooke Hanson, Elle Dunlap, and Kate Dunlap; two brothers, AB Hanson of Magnolia, Arkansas and Jerry Hanson and wife Margaret of Ceily,Texas; one nephew, Mike Hanson and wife Susan of Magnolia, Arkansas; numerous great nieces and nephews; and three special friends and caregivers Regina Biddle, Lanora Robideau, and Edwin Johnson as well as Kay Williamson, Anne Fitzgerald, and the staff of Dierksen Hospice of Texarkana, Arkansas: April Edwards, Sharon Davis, Rev. Lee Ligans, Casey Jeans, and Rev. Larry Moore. Visitation with the family will be from 6–8 p.m. Friday, August 21 at Smith Funeral Home in Stamps, Arkansas. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 22 at Stamps First Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Turner and Bro. Gene Lindsey officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Vernon Church Cemetery in the Mt. Vernon Community of Waldo, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Charlie Goodwin, Mike Hanson, Robby Rogers, Kenny Camp, Joe Sanders, and Rich Dunlap. Honorary Pallbearers are John Huddleston, Glen Turner, Billy Grissom, Edwin Johnson, and Brice Hanson.

Published August 21, 2015

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