On Saturday morning, January 4, 2020, James Erval Hankins, Jr. passed away at Generations of Vernon.

Mr. Hankins was born December 9, 1944, to the late James Erval Hankins, Sr. and Henrietta Pennington Hankins, both of Vernon.  He served two years of active duty in the U.S Army and four years in the National Guard.  His  occupations included truck driving, factory worker, and most recently being a minister and traveling and spreading the Gospel all around the southeast.  He was a member of New Beginnings Apostolic Church.  Mr. Hankins was also preceded in death by his step-father, Raymond Pennington of Vernon; two sisters, Shelby Jean Hankins Moore of Gardendale, AL and Maylene Gail Hankins Wall of Charlotte, NC; and one nephew, Bradon Hankins of Fulton, MS.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 8, at 1:00 PM, in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home with William Kirkman officiating.  A graveside service and burial will follow at Lamar Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends Wednesday, from 12:00-1:00, prior to the service.

Survivors include two sisters, Betty Brewer of Helena, AL and Doris Stoves of Bessemer, AL; two brothers, Henry (Gail) Hankins of Booneville, MS and Steve (Joyce) Hankins of Duluth, GA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800, or call 1-866-382-4253 Monday-Friday.  You may also go online to www.gideons.org .

The family would like to thank Home Health Services of Vernon and his caregiver, Tammy Metcalfe, of Vernon.