Dayton, OH – Alva “Al” Lee Hanners, 86, passed away on October 23, surrounded by those he loved. He was born on August 18, 1940, in Greenup, Kentucky, to William and Cora (Sagraves) Hanners.
Al never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. His greatest joy was found in the moments he spent with his family and friends.
He retired from Abbott Laboratories after a long career as a technician, but his true passions were his family and harness racing. A longtime trainer and driver, he was a member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and the United States Trotting Association for many years. Al shared his love of the sport with his children and grandchildren, and it became a family tradition. He spent his final years happily watching his grandsons drive and cheering on his family.
Al is survived by his children, Bill (Kim) Hanners, Kathy (Jeff) Smith and Sandra (Dean) Edelberg; his beloved grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Massie, Tyler and Trevor Smith, and Austin, Luke, Mia and JorDan Hanners; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Hailey, Maevyn and Radley. He also leaves behind his beloved caretaker and special friend, Ina Edwards; his brothers, Russell Hanners and Bob Glispie; his sister, Joyce Glispie; and his cousins, Tim Edwards and Vicki (Jack) Giambrone. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, especially his nephews David Holton and Chuck Grubbs, with whom he shared a special bond.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Brad; his brothers, Ray and Roger; his sisters, Dottie, Margaret and Mary Lou; and Betty Jean, the mother of his children.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, at Jamestown Church of Christ, 52 West Washington Street, Jamestown, Ohio 45355. A funeral service officiated by Pastor Luke Linville will immediately follow at the church. Family and friends are invited to remain afterward for a luncheon and fellowship. Interment will take place at a later date. Morrow Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care of Dayton, Jamestown Place or the Jamestown Church of Christ. The staff at each showed extraordinary kindness and care to Al and the entire family.