Bobby Hankins

Tupelo - Bobby Hankins, 71, died Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after an extended illness. A Tupelo native and lifelong resident, he was born March 15, 1938, to George Washington and Myrtle Loyd Hankins. In addition to working as an electrician, he also operated the projector for Lyric Theater for 17 years and also the Lee Drive Inn for several years. He loved coaching softball, fishing, and vegetable gardening. He was married to Marsena Joy Martin Hankins who died in April of 1961 and Eddie Sue Ellis Hankins who died June 2, 1999. He was affiliated with Calvary Assemby.

Services will be 3 p.m. Friday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Danny Hankins and Rev. Ben Raper officiating. Burial will be in Priceville Cemetery.

Survivors include six children, Robby Hankins (Joy) of Plantersville, Bobbie Sue Wigginton (Brad) of Florence, Ala., Rebecca Chea (David) of Orlando, Fla., Kellie Arnold (Warren)of Mooreville, Eric Hankins of Skyline, and Brad Hankins of Skyline; three sisters, Faye McDonald of Tupelo, Hazel McDonald of Old Union, and Shirley Robbins (Delbert) of Tupelo; one brother, Terry Hankins of Old Union; 16 grandchildren, Cody and Daniel Hankins, Elizabeth Childers, Samantha and Lauren Wigginton, T.C., Brandon, Thi-Anna and Andrew Che, Marcus, Michelle, and Emily Putt, Eric, Nikki, Madison, and Connor Hankins; three great-grandchildren, Ava Che, Serenity Chea,and Wesley Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, and two brothers, Hoyle and G.L. Hankins and a sister, Billye McNutt.

Pallbearers will be David McGee, David McDonald, and his grandsons, T.C. Che, Brandon Che, Marcus Putt, and Cody Hankins.

Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.