Obituary of Marion Thomas Hanks

Marion “Tom” Hanks, age 67, passed away on Oct 17th, 2017.  Tom was born in St. Louis, MO on September 21, 1950 and grew up just outside of St. Louis in Granite City, IL.

After high school, Tom joined the Air Force and served his country proudly in the Vietnam War.  After his return, Tom met, and married, Joey Hunt and had two children, Steve and Michelle Hanks, who became the joy of his life.

The family lived outside of Mt. Vernon, IL for many years where Tom worked as an automotive and diesel mechanic.  Tom even opened his own shop in the late 80’s and early ‘90s where he was praised by his customers as being the only mechanic that was allowed to work on their equipment.

But mechanic work was not Tom’s passion.  Besides his family, his passion was spending time in the woods – hunting, trapping, fishing, and simply being in and with nature.  He found comfort and tranquility in the peacefulness and silence of nature.

After a divorce, Tom moved to the Nashville, TN area where he changed careers and worked for Bradley Coatings for 20+ years as a Painter and Crew Foreman.  The same dedication and pursuit of perfection which made Tom so good as a mechanic followed him into his career with Bradley Coatings and made him a beloved colleague and friend to owners Stan and Brad and many within the Bradley Coatings family.

During his time in Nashville, his daughter Michelle brought another joy into his life – the birth of his three grandchildren Caitlin, Bobby, and Ash, whom he loved deeply.

Tom is survived by his brother Melvin Hanks, his children Steve (and wife Candace) Hanks and Michelle Hanks, and his beloved grandchildren Caitlin Robinette, Bobby Robinette, and Ash DeGraffenried.

Tom is preceded by his father and mother Archie and Dorothy Hanks, brother Ronnie Hanks, and sister Caroline Hanks.

May you finally rest and find the tranquility and peace you longed for in this life.

Visitations will be held at the Murfreesboro Funeral Home located at 145 Innsbrooke Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN on Saturday November 4th from 11am – 2pm Central.