Jimmy Charles Hanks, 89, of Woodville passed away February 7, 2025.
Born in Woodville, Texas to Charley and Velma Hanks. He was a retired math teacher and a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Japan. Jimmy taught school in Orange and Colmesneil where he instilled knowledge and encouragement to the many students he taught. He served in numerous churches as a deacon, song leader and Sunday School teacher.
A natural musician, he was able to pick up an instrument and play as if he had been playing for years. He loved to fish and camp and had many a tall tale that kept his family and friends entertained. He spent many a summer in the mountains. After retirement, he spent his summers working in Yellowstone National Park where he enjoyed nature and meeting people.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Charley Hanks and Velma Dean Hanks.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lillie Myrl Hanks; children, Charles Hanks and wife, Suzette of Alamogordo, NM, Melissa Smith of Kentucky and Cynthia Wentrcek and husband, Jeremy of San Antonio, TX; brothers, Jerry Hanks and wife, Joyce of Jasper, Harold Hanks and wife, Maureen of Silsbee; sister, Nancy Dixon and husband, Jack of Bedford; grandchildren, Chad Hanks, Cody Hanks, Clay Hanks, Christopher Trunnell, Jasmine Trunnell, Kevin Trunnell, Joshua Wentrcek, Josiah Wentrcek and four great grandchildren; step children, David Tolbert and wife, Darlene of Chester, Janay Rainey and husband, Lyle of Woodville, Michael Tolbert of Woodville, Gary Tolbert and wife, Missy of Woodville; eight step grandchildren, numerous step great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Spurger. Burial followed at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Colmesneil.
Serving as pallbearers were Randy Hanks, Cody Hanks, Josiah Wentrcek, Lyle Rainey, David Tolbert and Gary Tolbert. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Daryl Waldrep and Mike Minter.
In lieu of flowers, family asks for donations to be made to the youth ministry at First Baptist Church, Spurger.
Services are held under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Woodville. 353
