William James Hanford, Jr. (61) laid down his earthly body and went to reside within the heavenly realm on October 23, 2025. He is now free from physical pain and worry and knows nothing but everlasting peace and love.
Born as Lonnie Crowley, on March 9, 1964 in Superior, WI. Will had a rough start in life. He endured several years in an orphanage before being adopted at the age of 5, into a loving family that gave him the name William Hanford, Jr. They covered him with security and adoration and he spent his childhood canoeing on the pond outside the family home, taking piano and violin lessons, and nurturing wildlife. When he graduated high school, he joined the US Army in 1981, specializing in aviation repair, and was stationed in Fort Benning, GA. That is where he met the love of his life, Sherry Stuckey. They were married in June of 1983, and soon after they were deployed to Stuttgart, Germany. They had their first child there, and shared many good times, before returning to the states to reside in Savannah, GA. William and Sherry went on to have two more children, build a house together, spend their summers in Helen, GA, and have many great memories, before they divorced in 1999. Their relationship always remained amicable and he loved her, until his last day.
William, Sgt. Hanford, Will, Bill, or Lonnie, depending on who you were… knew him to be a “Jack of all trades”. He possessed many skills from Chemistry, Carpentry, Mechanics, Welding, Mentorship… The thing he took most pride in though, was his accomplishments as an Army Sergeant, and he didn’t hesitate to let anyone know. He also held a great responsibility and love in being a father. His adoration and loyalty for his children was unwavering and leaves a deep sense of loss and vulnerability in the wake of his absence.
Will loved hunting, fishing, and being in the outdoors. He treasured spending time with his grandkids. He liked working on cars and was very knowledgeable when it came to mechanics. He would often spend his free time in the garage working on cars for his friends and co-workers. He loved music and would take his daughter to City Market in Savannah, on the weekends to get ice cream and listen to Bucky and Joey play cover songs of Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, etc. His favorite football team was the Green Bay Packers and he loved watching westerns. Sam Elliott was his idol. Will loved playing pranks. There’s not one family member that doesn’t have a story to tell about his playful antics. He always added a special touch to the holidays. At Christmas time he would hang lights on the house and jingle sleigh bells outside on Christmas Eve. On Halloween he would hang homemade ghosts and decorations in the yard. He always put others before himself and would drop whatever he was doing to help you if you needed it.
In his last years he spent much time giving back to his community and mentoring his fellow peers at the Salvation Army in Austin, Texas. It was fulfilling for him to help others and pay it forward to the causes that had once lifted him up. He had a knack for connecting with people, which made him popular and quite reputable within the Salvation Army Program. Always a prankster, with the best sense of humor, his laughter and smile will be deeply missed. His virtues and jocoseness are instilled in his children and they have many anecdotes to treasure him by.
Truly one in a million, Will leaves behind a family and friends that are infinitely better off from having him in their lives. We will always treasure the love and the memories that came from him.
Will is survived by his Daughter- Meagan Hanford (Justin Hopkins), Grandson- Lux Hopkins. His Son- Christopher Hanford, Grandson- Liam Hanford, Granddaughter- Laya Hanford. Daughter- Olivia Hanford, Grandson- Flynn Jernigan. Ex-Wife- Sherry Thompson. Sister- Wendy Hohmeyer. Many Nieces and Nephews and cherished friends.
He was welcomed with loving arms by his Mother and Father, Vera and William Hanford Sr., His sisters, Sherry and Debbie. His Granddaughter Sadie. And his Nephew, Christopher.
One final note and it was a quote uttered by my Dad, many times throughout his lifetime…
“Party Down, Ya Filthy Animal”. He would want everyone reading this to smile and remember him for the laughter and his ability to do whatever it took to make someone’s day a little better.
Rest well, Dad. Until we see you again, we love you and are eternally grateful that we got to have you as our Father.