Paul Hankins

Paul C Hankins passed away at the age of 89 on September 29, 2021.

He is survived by his wife Betty, daughter Brenda Carswell (Tom), daughter Michele Baum, grandchildren Bryan Carswell (April), Katie Carter (Matt), Erik Baum, Brittany Baum, great-granddaughter Ellie Jo Carter. He is also survived by daughter Emma Hankins, granddaughter Hannah Hankins and twin brother Dave Hankins.

He was born June 30, 1932 in Upland, PA and was raised in Smyrna, Delaware by parents Frank and Mary Hankins. After his mother was killed in a car accident he was sent to The Milton Hershey School for boys where he graduated in 1950. He was a proud alumni of MHS and remained connected to the school and his classmates via Homecomings and other special events through the years.

He was a Veteran, and very proud of his military service. He served in the U.S. Navy 1952 – 1956. He was last stationed at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, FL which eventually became his hometown.

He was a Mason and a Shriner. An electrician by trade he was a 55 year member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers I.B.E.W. Local 177 in Jacksonville. He was a member of First Christian Church of Jacksonville since 1961. He had served as a Deacon in the past. He was active in the Young at Heart seniors group and loved his church family.

Anyone who knew Paul knew he was an avid puzzler. He was always working a jigsaw puzzle. Whenever someone would visit he would pull out his puzzle board and show off his latest completed masterpiece.

He was a pretty good cook whether he was serving up a pot of Chicken and Dumplings or throwing together some Hankins Hash. He was famous for three homemade food items. Fruitcakes at Christmas, pickles and jam in the summer. He enjoyed sharing these with family and friends over the years. Known as the Jelly King he even made over 200 jars of jam as favors for granddaughter Katie’s wedding.

One of his favorite pastimes was going to Afternoon Tea with his girls. He loved the goodies and sweets but most of all the company. He was a jokester who loved teasing his grandkids. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. That’s when he was happiest.