Billy J. Hanks

Billy J. Hanks, age 89, of Ozark, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016. He was born December 28, 1926, in the Selmore Community, the son of Claude F. and Muriel (Collins) Hanks. He graduated from Ozark High School in 1944, and attended Drury College. On March 4, 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ann Landes. Billy served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force from April, 1945 until World War II ended in December, 1945. Following his service, he returned to Ozark, working for Jack Landes for four years. He worked at Hanks and Skaggs Motor Company for nine years and in 1958 purchased the Western Auto Store, which he and Ruth Ann operated for 35 years. Always active in his community, Billy was proud to have seen Ozark grow and prosper during his lifetime. He was elected to the Ozark Board of Education, and the Ozark City Council. Billy served as a director for several banks, and was named Ozark Citizen of the year. Survivors include: His two children, Donna Hensley and Greg Hanks, both of Ozark; five grandchildren, James Hensley of Ozark, Jeff Hensley and wife Amy of Ozark, Megan Doubek of Ozark, Dusten Hanks and wife Kari of Ozark, and Dena Hanks of Los Angeles; eight great-grandchildren, Raena Nickoley, Bonnie Eggeman, Aidan Hensley, Savannah Hensley, Mya Hensley, Cori Doubek, Laney Doubek and Lucas Hanks; a brother, Dennis Hanks and wife Patsy, of Ozark; and two sisters, Dorothy Collins and husband Russell of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Glenna Frazier and husband Larry of Branson. Billy was preceded in death by: His wife, Ruth Ann in 2014, his parents; a great-grandson, Tyler Rogers; and four sisters, Jane Sears, Eloise Baird, Margie Stewart, and infant Muriel Nadine Hanks. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 27, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Bud Kelley and Ken Beck officiating. Private burial will follow in Ozark Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Monday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hanks-Wilson Scholarship Fund through the Finley River Community Foundation or the Christian County Historical Society for restoration of the Community Building on the square in Ozark.