William Hanks, Jr

Father, brother, uncle, son, and friend, William Earl Hanks Jr., “Spike” to his friends and family, passed peacefully on August 21, 2022. He was born in Columbus Ohio, on April 24, 1955, to William Earl Hanks Sr. and Anita Hanks.

He was a lover of jazz, cars, fishing, grilling, the Cleveland Browns, The Ohio State football, and his family. He never knew a stranger and always made everyone feel special.

In his youth he was known as the best little league football player in the city of Columbus and was scouted by Woody Hayes of the Ohio State University. He attended West High School and graduated from Marion Franklin High School, where he excelled at the cello, guitar, and football. He graduated in 1982 from Bowling Green State University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Whether he was specialty meat cutting, trucking, selling, or managing, his customers always loved him and often asked for him by name, refusing to do business with anyone but him.

He leaves behind his mother Anita Hanks, his daughter Naomi Nicodemus, his sisters, Susan Hanks, Shari Hanks, Salema Hanks, and his brother Shane Hanks. He will be missed by his partner of many years, Tara Nicodemus, lifelong friends Phonoey Chapman and Martin Fields, close nephew and friend, Sky Hanks, other dear friends, nieces, and nephews, all having a place in his heart.

Preceding him in death was his father William Earl Hanks Sr. and best friend Michael L. Smith.

A graveside service will be held at Eastlawn Cemetery, 1340 Woodland Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43219 at 10:00 a.m. on Friday September 2, 2022.