Joseph Benjamin Hankins

Joseph Benjamin Hankins, 66, of 313 Daniel Atkins Street, went to meet the Lord on Wednesday morning, November 16, 2011 at his home. Joe Ben fought a hard battle with Alzheimer's for four years. A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 19, at Central Christian Church. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. A Rockingham County native, Mr. Hankins was born September 29, 1945, son of the late Raymond E. Hankins and Elizabeth Wade Hankins. He was a member of Central Christian Church for 45 years. In those years he had served as Elder, Deacon, Superintendant and Chairman of the Board. He loved God and his church family. Joe Ben was owner of Hankins Properties for 25 years, and a licensed Real Estate Broker. He worked for 15 years for Karastan Rug Mill but left to work for Miller Brewing Company as a machinist in 1976. He retired after 30 years. He was a very gifted person. His sons often said, "there was nothing Dad couldn't fix if he wanted to". He loved his family and enjoyed the family trips to their little house they worked on as a family at Oak Island. Joe Ben was married to his best friend, Jane Hall Hankins, for 46 years. They worked together on houses, buying and selling until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007. He leaves behind to remember his sweet smile, gentle heart and his love, his wife and buddy, Jane of the home; two sons, Joseph B Hankins, II (Benji) and wife, Martha and Chad C. Hankins and wife, Connie, both of Eden; and three grandchildren, Heather of South Boston and Justin and Joseph of Eden. Also left to miss his love and his walks is his companion and friend, his yellow Lab, Sham. He was preceded in death by his only brother, Raymond E. "Buddy" Hankins. The family wishes to thank, first, Dr. David Tapper and his staff for all their help, concern and patience while Joe Ben battled this terrible disease. Also Hospice was a God-send and they can't thank them enough for all the help they gave to make sure he was taken care of. And a special thanks to friend, Ebonee Price of Bayada Nursing. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, 7 - 9 PM at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the residence. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com