Don Hankins

Don Hankins MONROE -- Mr. Hankins was born in Laurinburg, NC on November 26, 1959. He passed away unexpectedly March 3, 2006. The son of an Air Force officer, he moved frequently throughout his youth, developing extraordinary social skills. Learning from the example of his late mother, Joy Love Hankins, he was compassionate and generous. From 1973 to 1976, Don lived in Tacoma, Washington, an experience he cherished forever because of the dear friends he made there, his wrestling team, and his hero, Coach Joe Reasons. In November 2004, he returned to Tacoma to reunite with his teammates and see his coach inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame. Working as a waiter at Slug's Restaurant, he paid his own way through school at UNC-Chapel Hill. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1984 with a BS in Geology. Don and Jane met in January of 1979, while freshmen at Carolina. They were married on June 7, 1986 on Greenwood Road at the home of their great friends, Lambert and Isabella Davis. After moving from Chapel Hill to College Station, TX in 1986, Don received a Master of Science in Hydrology from Texas AM in 1988. Don started his own environmental consulting company, Resolve Environmental Services, in Monroe, NC in 1993. Singlehandedly creating an extensive network of contacts, his business was known for its reliable and fair service. He was at his office in Monroe, having worked steadily through the entire course of chemotherapy, when he died suddenly on March 3. Don was active in Rotary in Monroe, NC, and in youth sports in Monroe and Chapel Hill. His truest passion was coaching the teams of his boys, Sam and Jack. He was a devoted father who took great pride in his sons. Hanky was known for his incredible work ethic, for his strength, determination, and energy. He was a zealous Tarheel fan. He was an ardent music lover, with a collection that was the admiration of all. He loved sports, music, eating, drinking, talking, and family. It cannot be overstated how deeply he will be missed. Those who will remember him with love include his wife, Jane; and his sons, Sam and Jack of Chapel Hill; his father, Robert Hankins and stepmother, Helen, of Brevard; sisters, Kirsten Bachmann and her husband, Charles, of Raleigh, Robin Hankins and Lisa Hart and her husband, Steve, of Charlotte; nephews, William Hart and Cole Bachmann; and niece, Joy Hart. Beloved relatives and friends include Mark and Dana Tuttle of Carrboro and their daughters, Johanne, Claire, and Liza; Bill and and Melody Colt of Monroe and their daughters, Kelsey and Judith; Maude Lee of Monroe; and his wonderful office manager for a decade, Janet Beck of Monroe. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, at Gerard Hall on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill at 4:30 PM. A reception will follow in the hall. The gesture which would most honor the memory of Don Hankins would be to contribute to his children's education. Funds may be sent to: The Sam and Jack Hankins College Fund, 4147 Deepwood Circle, Durham, NC 27707. Gordon Funeral Cremation Service is caring for the family. Condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com. Published in Charlotte Observer from March 10 to March 11, 2006.