Bishop Jefferson "B.J." Hankins

Dr. Bishop Jefferson "B.J." Hankins, 82, of Cabot, passed away April 10, 2016, with his wife and family by his side. He was born in McHue, Arkansas, May 12, 1933 to the late Bishop Marvin and Sarah Esther Morgan Hankins. B.J. was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle. He was a member of Cabot United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Willing Hands Sunday School Class. B.J. was a lifelong learner and lived his life for the Lord. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and his doctorate from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. His doctorate in agronomy prepared him for his career in teaching and research. B.J. proudly served in the United States Air Force during The Korean War, including leaving his new bride, Ann at home for 1 1/2 years, 10 days after their wedding. For 30 years as an agronomist, he researched and taught as professor and Extension Agent at Purdue University, and all over Indiana and Arkansas. As a creative entrepreneur, he loved photography, gave countless slide talks, and wrote many home-spun pieces of poetry, including one published book of poetry. As a musician, B.J. delighted in playing the harmonica, playing the saw, learning guitar, and singing hymns. As a speaker, he was known for dramatically reciting his poems and of giving his ‘Good Ole Days' talk. In all of his agronomy, slides, poetry, music and service, B.J. wove inspirational truths he had harvested from his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He delighted in planting seeds of truth in those who would listen. As a humble servant of our Lord, he creatively taught both youth and adults in various capacities. He was a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in West Lafayette, Indiana, and at First Baptist Church of Cabot. He also participated in several extended mission trips to Germany, Israel, Poland, and Bulgaria. He is survived by Ann Welborn Hankins, his wife of 62 years; son, Jeff (Pat) Hankins of Independence, Missouri; daughter, Laura (Jerry) Vaughn of Cabot; grandchildren, Kelsey Vaughn, Morgan Vaughn, and Josh, Julie, and Jonah Hankins. B.J. was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Hankins. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 13, 2016, from 10-11 a.m. at Cabot United Methodist Church, with funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, Arkansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Education and Missions Ministries of Cabot United Methodist Church, or Reformed University Fellowship International. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.