THOMASVILLE – Mr. Connie Smith Hanes Jr., 95, a lifelong resident of Thomasville, died on June 2, 2013 at Hospice Home at High Point.

He was born on November 25, 1917 to the late Connie Curtis Smith Hanes, Sr. (named for the baseball great Connie Mack, owner-manager of the Philadelphia Athletics) and the late Addie Black Hanes. In his own simple way Connie was so prepared and so organized. A few days before his death his family found a hand written note (really a list) of particulars/benchmarks of his life…..and here it is.

High School: Graduate class of 1936, Thomasville High School;

Married: Ruth Elizabeth Williamson (b. March 16, 1919-d. November 3, 1996), of High Point on September 7, 1940; Work record: Mechanic: Arthur Blacks Garage 9/’35 to 6/’42; Shipyard: NC Shipbuilding Co. 6/’42 to 5/’45

US Navy: 5-28-45 to 4-17-46 (note he entered the war just as the war ended) rate: S1c (seaman 1st class); Engineering Associate: Western Electric Company 8-19-46 to 2-12-81 (where he mainly worked on telephone systems).

He was a lifelong member of Calvary United Church of Christ where his grandfather, Bethlehem Black, donated the land for the Cemetery next to the church, Connie was baptized in 1919, Christened as an adult and he served in may capacities as Elder, Deacon, an Usher, many years on the Consistory, President of the Consistory, Head of the Cemetery and delivering sermon tapes to shut ins.

He is survived by a daughter, Susan Pearl Hanes Joyner and husband Larry Warren Joyner of Ahoskie, NC and their children, Meredith Hanes Joyner and Hanes Williamson Joyner, both of Raleigh, NC; and a son, Smith Hanes and wife Alisa Barry of AtlantaGA. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews as well as their families.

Other than his parents and his wife Ruth, Connie was preceded in death by his sister, Alma Elizabeth Hanes Stilwell and her husband Marion Lee Stilwell.

A loyal dad, his children knew him for his quirky and stylish cars that included a yellow 1972 Cougar, a green 1967 Volkswagen, and a cucumber colored 1962 Corvair. He and his wife Ruth loved the beach, crabbing, and camping, and were known to cook full meals on a Coleman stove and host the entire extended family at Ponderosa Campground in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After his retirement they were active in many church and civic activities, especially the Thomasville Woman’s Club, the Western Electric Pioneers, and meals on wheels. They were also much involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

In February of 1997 after the death of his wife Ruth, he began a longtime relationship with Dot Hedrick, a family friend of 70 years. Together they were active in social and Church activities at Calvary United Church of Christ, Heidelberg United Church of Christ, and Memorial Methodist. They enjoyed trips to the lake and the beach; they were steadfast friends and loyal companions. Some people only find one love, Connie was lucky enough to find two.

Heartfelt thanks to friends and caregivers, especially Phil Hedrick, Linda and Ron Swicegood, and Donna and Tony Hunt for their dedicated support over the last few years. In his last days, the employees of Piedmont Crossing and Hospice Home at High Point were exceptionally caring.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday June 8, 2013 at 11:00 am at Calvary United Church of Christ with the Rev. Kelly Barefoot officiating.  Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.  Mr. Hanes will remain at the J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home in Thomasville until taken to the church one hour prior to the service.  The family will be at the funeral home on Friday from 6-8 pm to receive friends and family. Memorials may be directed to Calvary United Church of Christ, 1411 Lexington Ave., Thomasville, NC. 27360 or directed to The Hospice Home at High Point, 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point NC.27262.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com.