Charles Boyce Hanback, age 86, of Florence, Alabama went to be with the Lord on February 7th, 2024. Charles loved to fish, eat coconut cake, watch Western movies, play board games, and was an avid Crimson Tide fan. Most of all, he enjoyed being with his family.
Charles, the son of Lee and Etta Hanback, was born December 14, 1937, raised in Florence, Alabama. Throughout his childhood, he learned about responsibility and the importance of hard work which stayed with him to his employment at Ford Motor Company. Charles worked for Ford Motor Company for many years. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union and enjoyed the friendships he made mastering his craft on the engine assembly line. An avid outdoorsman, Charles found solace in the serene embrace of nature during his fishing expeditions. He would often give each large catch a name before releasing the catch back into the water. He enjoyed telling vivid stories of his catches to his friends for breakfast at McDonald’s or Jack’s. His hands were skilled in the art of woodworking, creating beautiful pieces that became treasured family heirlooms.
Charles was deeply rooted in his community and touched many lives with his warmth, wit, and wisdom. He was an active member of the Church of Christ, and his faith was mirrored in every aspect of his life. Most notably, anyone who knew him knows that his love for his family was infinite. He was a man of the family. His home was often filled with the sounds of laughter from gatherings at the pool, board games, and his famous silly stories. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew him as “Papaw,” a man whose immense love and playful humor knew no bounds. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Charles was recently residing at the Renaissance of Florence and the family would like to thank the Renaissance of Florence staff for their care. Also, to the North Alabama Medical Center nursing staff and doctors for their amazing care in his last days. And finally, profound gratitude to Dr. Felix Morris and Dr. Terrence Hart for decades of exceptional medical care, kindness, and guidance. Charles’s stories, humor, and the deep love he had for his family will be everlasting.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives within his children and beyond. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beatrice Bennett Hanback, his children Dewanda Hanback Carbine and Charlotte Hanback Hare (Richard), his grandchildren Elizabeth Budde (Derek), Kristen Alford (Beau), Catherine Hare, and Margaret Hare, and three lovely great-grandchildren Banks, Josie, and Brooklyn.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents along and with his daughter, Tammula “Tam” Hanback.
We will miss him more than words can express but take solace in the fact that Charles Hanback lived a life truly well-lived and loved.
A visitation with the family will be held 1:30pm – 2:30pm, February 10th, 2024, at Williams Funeral Home in Florence, Alabama. He will be laid to rest in a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-memorials)
