WISE, VA.                                    DECEMBER 22, 2023

Randy Joe Hanks, 65, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2023 in the care of Holston Valley Medical Center, at the age of 65. He was born in Pontiac, Michigan.

As a child Randy was known for the mischief he would get into and easily pass the blame off onto his siblings. He was an avid animal lover from a young age, even getting in trouble on his way to school for stopping to pet animals and not making it to school on time. Both his humor and his love for animals would follow him throughout his lifetime.

Randy finished his post-secondary education later in life while also being a single father and raising his oldest daughter on his own. Randy worked as a physical therapist assistant as well as the head of therapy until he retired in 2020. He derived great satisfaction from the work he did and prided himself in his work ethic and the ability to truly enjoy going to work each day. Despite the hardships that come from being a single father he was the kind of father any child would be proud of. Even while working long hours he gave everything he had to being a parent.

He had a huge heart, was quick to forgive, never held a grudge, and never met a stranger. He often took care of others before himself, especially those he loved. When he loved someone he loved deeply and would give anything to help those he cared for. Before his decline in health he enjoyed socializing as often as possible and could talk to someone for hours. He loved to joke and make people laugh. He will be remembered for the love he poured out to others, his endless optimism, and his ability to always see the best in people.

He loved to read and would lose himself for hours in a good book. In high school he ran cross country and had a life-long love of sports, especially baseball. He was a devout University of Michigan fan as well as the New York Yankees, but his biggest enjoyment later in life came from spending time with his youngest daughter and his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by those that knew him.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Hobert Euguene Hanks; and his niece Rachel Denise Kennedy.

Randy is survived by his mother, Barbara Hanks; daughters, Jodie Cantrell and husband Dakota Cantrell, and Madelyn Hanks; sisters, Janice Payne and husband Terry Payne, and Cheryl Allgeyer and husband Rich Allgeyer; brother, Michael Hanks; as well as niece, Amanda Hanks; nephews, Clinton Kennedy, Jason Hanks, Matthew Allgeyer, and Kenny Allgeyer; his grandchildren, Landon Adams, Desmond Adams, and Abram Cantrell; as well as a host of friends and loved ones.

As a simple man he wished for simple arrangements with a celebration of life services at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 23, 2023 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA. Family will welcome friends from 12:30 P.M. till time of services at 2:00 P.M. at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.