Obituaries

Will Hankins, Sr. was the ninth of eleven children born to the late Chancy and Beatrice Hankins in Mellwood, Arkansas on December 21, 1947. Affectionately known as “Beeticup,” he accepted Christ at an early age at Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church under the late Reverend C.B. Bingham. He served as a Trustee and was a faithful member.

As the first-born son, he stepped into responsibility at a young age, leaving school in the fourth grade to help his family work the farm. He took pride in providing for his family and doing what needed to be done without complaint. In his later years, that same love showed up in his gardening. He worked the soil with care and intention, finding peace in planting, tending, and watching his harvest grow. What he grew was never just for his family, for he shared generously with his neighbors and anyone in need, reflecting the same quiet strength and selflessness that defined his life.

On June 18, 1972, Beeticup and Gloria Dean Wheat were united in Holy Matrimony. They were married for 51 years and had four children. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved telling a good joke. His laughter immediately made you smile.

Beeticup transitioned from this life on April 5, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents; Chancy and Beatrice, eight sisters; Katherine Gathings, Maggie Kuykendall, Lucy Glass, Rosie Hankins, Bessie Young, Georgia B. Moore, Ruby Johnson, Earline Thomas, Blanchie Lee, three brothers; Eddie Hankins, Oscar Hankins, Chancy Hankins, his loving wife; Gloria Dean, and his great grandson; Emiko O’Bryant.

He leaves behind cherished memories that will forever be held by his four children; Lavern Seymour, Teresa Hankins, Will (Ketha) Hankins, Jr., Jeremy Hankins, Sr., sixteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.