Obituary of Willie James Hanna, Sr.

Willie James Hanna, Sr., 75, of Ashtabula, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at University Hospital Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born February 6, 1947, in Louisville, Mississippi, the son of John Everette and Ida Mae (Colter) Hanna. Willie graduated from Ashtabula High School Class of 1966. He married Thelma Louise Bowens on September 28, 1968. Willie worked for over 25 years at True Temper Corp. in Saybrook, Ohio before the production company closed in North East, Ohio. He then went on to work as a greenskeeper at various nurseries for over 10 years. Willie was a Jack of all Trades. He made himself available and shared his talent with anyone who called on him for a helping hand. Whether if it was providing rides, fixing cars, plowing driveways, or feeding people, he never said, “No”. After providing a service to others, Willie rewarded himself with the enjoyment of riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his children, Romel “Mel” (Cynthia) Hanna, Anthony (Lyn) Hanna, Joshua Chatman and Tianna Chatman all of Ashtabula; his mother, Ida Mae Hanna; siblings, Doris (Arthur) Thompson, Terry Hanna, Linda Hanna, Veronica Hanna, Rhonda Hanna Diffenbacher, and John (Heather) Hanna; his grandchildren Brandon, April, Heather, Janelle, Asia, and Zachary, and great-grandchildren. Willie was preceded in death by his wife Thelma in 2018; son, Willie J. Hanna, Jr. in 2015; brother, Billie James Hanna in 1977, and his father, John Hanna in 1981. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 12PM at the Greater Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, 319 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio with Bishop Mitchell Lee Jones officiating. Calling hours will be held from 11AM until the time of service at 12PM. Burial will follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Ashtabula. Memorial contributions may be made in Willie James Hanna, Sr.’s name to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League (APL), 5970 Green Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004. Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com