J.W. "Chad" Hanna Jr.

James William “Chad” Hanna Jr. — a kind and generous husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, partner, and friend — peacefully passed from this life to the next surrounded by his family on September 14, 2017. His passage was preceded by that of his parents James William Sr. and Jewel Stewart and two sisters Floy E. “Sandy” Bosick and Billie Delano. Those left to celebrate his long full life are his wife of 69 years, Jean; son, Chad and wife Sheri; daughter, Laura Waits and husband Ken; grandson, James Chad Hanna and wife Carolyn; granddaughters, Brook Hanna and Hanna Waits and great grandson August James Hanna as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Service will be held on Monday September 18th at Green Acres Baptist Church Chapel at 1:00 pm officiated by the Reverend Dr. David O. Dykes under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church in the parlor. Born to James William Hanna and Jewell Stewart Hanna in Roby, Texas on April 13, 1924, Chad met Jean while attending Tyler Commercial College and always joked that she chased him down the street every day until she finally caught him. But he knew that he had caught the love of his life. They were married in Trinidad, Texas on October 18, 1947 and celebrated life every day of their marriage. A charter member of Green Acres Baptist Church, along with Jean, Chad lived a faithful life in Christ as a devoted husband and loving, supportive head of the family who always took the time to listen, council and encourage his entire extended family. As a child Chad moved with his family to the Van area and later to Tyler where he attended Dixie Elementary, Roberts Junior High and graduated from Tyler High School in 1942. While in high school he excelled in basketball, track and football. In the summers, he also learned to play golf by borrowing clubs from the men he caddied for at Bellwood golf course, carrying two bags for 50 cents a round. After graduation, he entered the Air Force and served his country stationed in Hawaii until the end of WWII. He never lost his love for the game of golf and, as a member and former president of Willow Brook Country Club, he won numerous club championships, senior’s championships and many tournaments around the state. All while never missing any activity involving family — including his children's football games, basketball games, and tennis matches. After returning from the service Chad began his business career selling insurance for New York Life and keeping books for individuals in the oil and gas business after hours. It didn’t take long, however, for him to realize his passion for home building and real estate. So, in 1953 he went into business with his father building and selling new homes in Tyler and the surrounding area. He served as the president of the Tyler Area Builders Association in 1964 and 1975 and was Home Builder of the Year in 1976. He served as President of the Greater Tyler Area Association of Realtors and was voted Realtor of the year in 1978. He was awarded Realtor Emeritus of the National Association of Realtors in 2005. Chad will be deeply missed by both family and friends. He always had time to offer council when council was sought, to listen when understanding was important, to guide when guidance was necessary and most of all to love unconditionally. He was also quick with a wisecrack and kept his sense of humor about him though out his wonderful life. We are all comforted in knowing the first words Chad will hear when entering Heaven: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Let’s Celebrate together!” And next will come the voice of The Bean hollering, “Come on, Mullet, you and I are swinging Beast, Berger, and Dicky-Do, and it’s a perfect day!" In lieu of flowers the Family ask that you make donations to Children’s Village PO Box 6564 Tyler, Texas 75711-997 or Green Acres Baptist Church Foundation 1607 Troup Hwy. Tyler, Texas 75701.

J.W. "Chad" Hanna Jr.

April 13, 1924 - September 14, 2017