Ronald Edward Hanna

Ronald Edward Hanna, Jr., husband of Kay Strickler Hanna, lost his battle with AML on Wednesday, November, 22, 2023. The relatives and friends of Ron and Kay Hanna are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial 1:00 PM Friday, December 1, 2023 at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, James Island. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends between 4:00 and 6:00 PM Thursday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Ron is survived by his wife, Kay Strickler Hanna, of the home; his son, Ronald Hanna III and his wife, Rachelle Korinko; his sisters, Martha Burns (Kevin), Lori Campbell (Rick), and Lillie Aquino (Peter); and a host of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Ronald Hanna, Sr. and Charlotte Rose Hanna, his brother William “Billy” Hanna, and his aunt and uncle, Chuck and Delores Wrenn.

Ron worked for the Charleston County Police Department as a Law Enforcement Officer for several years prior to beginning his career in Civil Service. He began his Civil Service career at Charleston Naval Shipyard (CNSYD) in the apprentice program as a Marine Pipe fitter in Shop 56. He advanced through Nuclear Pipe fitter, Nuclear Inspection in Quality Assurance, and 300N. As part of the base closure team he was given a Meritorious Civilian Service Award. During his tenure at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) he worked on the transition team to bring a project to Charleston from Norfolk. At SPAWAR, he held several positions. His last position before his retirement in 2010 was Installation Management Officer. Ron retired from the Department of the Navy with 34 years of service.

Ron was a member of the Knights of Columbus Rev. P.N. Lynch Council 704, and BPOE Elks Lodge No 242. He was also a member of Nativity Catholic Church, where he had served on several committees.

Ron always enjoyed playing sports. He played softball with several leagues, which included the Knights of Columbus. He was proud of his time playing and coaching with Shop 56 Pipe fitters, where they won several championships in the Charleston Naval Shipyard Industrial League, then went on to win several state championships. He coached Shop 56 to a state championship in 1980 and won a number of local tournaments playing with The Raiders. Ron also played several years with the Code 1390 Nuclear Inspection team.

Ron was active in the community serving in various capacities on different committees in the elementary, middle, and high schools his son attended. He was active with the Boy Scouts, where he held the positions of Tiger Cub Den Leader, Cubmaster of Pack 44, and Scoutmaster of Troop 44. He was proud of the accomplishments of all of the boys, but especially the fourteen young men who attained the rank of Eagle Scout during his tenure. Ron always said he “had a year under canvas camping with the Scouts”. He was awarded “The Order of the Golden Bow” for his contributions to helping boys become better citizens. As a young boy, he was awarded Order of the Arrow for aiding his Scout leader in finding the way out of the woods by following the stars, as he was taught by his grandfather.

Ron enjoyed spending vacation time fishing in the Florida Keys, and later in life cruising and traveling.

The family would like to thank the Hematology/Oncology Staffs of MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and 7th floor of MUSC Ashley River Tower Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.

Memorial gifts may be directed in lieu of flowers to the MUSC Foundation/Hollings Cancer Center, 18 Bee Street, MSC450, Charleston SC 29425.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.