William John Hanna

HANNA, William John William John Hanna, 53, affectionately known as Billy, entered into eternal rest in the company of his loving family on July 21, 2011, after a courageous battle against colon cancer. Billy was born in Charleston on September 10, 1957, the son of Ronald E. Hanna Sr. and Charlotte Irwin Hanna. He was the grandson of the late John J. Irwin and Lillian H. Irwin. Billy graduated from Fort Johnson High School where he excelled on the football team. For several seasons, he was a member of the James Island Hawk's semi-professional football team where he earned the distinction of All Pro Guard. He earned a Degree in Auto Mechanics from Trident Technical College. During his tenure as a mechanic he received multiple awards for technical proficiency and excellence culminating in a Master Mechanic Certificate. Billy retired from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at Ft. Johnson Marine Center. He was employed by Force Protection Corporation in Ladson, SC at the time of his illness. One of Billy's greatest pleasures was spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was an enthusiastic Blue Water fisherman, and he spent many hours enjoying boating activities in the Florida Keys. He derived great pleasure from watching NASCAR races and was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys football team. Billy was a member of Nativity Roman Catholic Church on James Island. Billy is survived by his parents Ronald E. Hanna Sr. and Charlotte Irwin Hanna of James Island. His brother and sister in law, Ronald E. Hanna, Jr. and Kay Strickler Hanna of James Island. Sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha and Kevin Burns of Columbia, SC, Lori and Rick Campbell of Winter Springs, FL, and Lillie and Peter Aquino of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces, Ronald E. Hanna, III of James Island, Eric Burns of Irmo, SC, Ryan and Ross Burns of Columbia, SC, Morgan and Hanna Campbell of Winter Springs, FL and Taylor, Kaitlyn and Sawyer Aquino of Charleston, and grand niece, Kelsey Burns of Irmo, SC, and Aunts Lillie Crouch, Delores Wrenn, Shirley Hanlon, Frances Blanchard Fry, Beaulah Irwin and Dero Irwin, and cousins. The family would like to thank Dr. George Keogh for his humanity and excellent care, and the nurses and staff of Charleston Hematology Oncology Associates for their kindness during his care. In addition, Thank You to Odyssey Hospice of Charleston for their compassionate care and support of William. The relatives and friends of William J. Hanna are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at The Church of the Nativity, 1061 Folly Rd. James Island. The Rite of Committal will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, July 25, 2011 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Charleston. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: The Harry Hampton Fund, PO Box 2641, Columbia, SC 29202, Attn: The Billy Hanna Marine Resources Fund. Or American Cancer Society, 5900 Core Avenue, Suite 504, N. Charleston, SC 29406. Arrangements are by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation, (843) 766-1365. Mr. Hanna's guest book may be signed online at www.jamesamcalister.com