The Rev, Deacon William (Bill) James Hanna, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022, at his home with his family by his side. He lived an abundant life as a devoted husband and father, a faithful deacon, a caring friend, and a true example of servant ministry toward those less fortunate.
Bill was born in Natchez, Mississippi on March 13, 1952, to Hugh and Nona Hanna. In high school he was an avid musician who played both the piano and clarinet. He went on to attend Millsaps College in Jackson where he majored in history, joined the Lambda Chi Fraternity, and developed several lifelong friendships. After earning his college degree, he began what would become a long and successful career at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. He started as a county records archivist, moved to head Special Collections, and later became Director of Records Management. During this time he also completed his master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration at Mississippi State University.
It was at the Department of Archives and History that he met his future wife, Therese. They married in 1977, and had two children, Christopher and Catherine.
While attending All Saints Episcopal Church in Jackson, where he served for many years as Junior Warden, he responded to the call to become a vocational deacon in the Episcopal Church. He was already active in several ministries, including Billy Brumfield and Stewpot programs for the homeless, Cursillo, Kairos Prison Ministry, and volunteer work at Whispering Pines Hospice. For nine years he spent at least one week in the summer at Camp Bratton-Green as a Cabin Dad during the Special Session for persons with physical or developmental disabilities.
Bill was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi in 2003, and served as deacon at All Saints in Jackson and later at Church of the Creator in Clinton. He mentored numerous postulants who were in the process of seeking ordination as deacons in the Episcopal Church.
Bill had many interests in life and loved simple things including trains, weather, music, history, and, of course, the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Following his retirement, he became an avid cook who spent many hours in the kitchen perfecting his gumbo recipe or whipping up a new Ina Garten dish.
He was known to many for his wit, love of West Highland White Terriers, and his extensive knowledge of American, especially Southern, history. He touched the lives of a wide range of people and will leave a rich legacy of love and compassion. He will be truly missed.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Nona Hanna and his sister, Ann. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Therese, of Madison, brother Hugh “Sonny” (Becky) of Gulfport; son Christopher (Sarah) of Madison, daughter Catherine (Ryan) Knoll of Memphis, and grandchildren Hanna James and August Knoll of Memphis and Lucas and Olivia Horton of Madison.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bill’s name to the Deacon’s Discretionary Fund at Grace Episcopal Church, 161 E. Peace Street in Canton, MS.
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