John Lewis “J.L.” Hankins, 81, of Senatobia, MS, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Baptist Memorial Hospital, in Southaven, MS.

He was born on February 28, 1938 to Henry Bailey Hankins and Ruth Viola Lawson. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and a lay minister. J.L. loved sharing the gospel and discussing scripture. He had a heart as big as all outdoors and would do without, himself, to help those in need. A retired truck driver, he was also known as a “man of all trades”. If it was broken, he would find a way to fix it.

Lovingly known as “Pappy” by his grandchildren, he is survived by two sons, John L. Hankins, Jr. of Montgomery, AL and William J. “Bill” Hankins of Olive Branch, MS; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Bobbie Jean Hankins.

Arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society. Ray-Nowell Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.