Oba Thomas "Tom" Hanna, III., 76, passed away Wednesday evening, May 17, 2023, at Courtland Terrace in Gastonia.

The funeral service will be 2:00PM Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Spray United Methodist Church with Rev. Sue Anne Morris officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service from 1 until 2pm at the church.

Tom was born in Durham on September 4, 1946, and was raised in Greensboro.  He retired from Fieldcrest Mills where he worked as a supervisor and was a former member of First United Methodist Church of Draper and was currently a member of Spray United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed playing golf and fishing.  He was an avid collector of coins, stamps and baseball cards.  He loved to travel.  He had a passion for the beach.  He and Claudia spent much time there.

At Courtland Terrace he had two titles, the Resident Counsel President and Bible Study Leader for the residents on Sundays.  He enjoyed Bingo, SkipBo, puzzles and numerous activities. He was known as the "rooster" with his "hens", who enjoyed playing cards together

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oba Thomas Hanna, Jr. and Mary Lay Hanna; his wife, Claudia Hanna; stepdaughters, Sheryl Odom Purdy, and Christine Odom Hobbs.

He is survived by his sons, Christopher Hanna of Gastonia, Thomas Mata and wife Julie of Charlotte; sister, Brenda Davis of Greensboro; 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, as well as several special nephews, great nephews, and great nieces, and his special friend, Evelyn Autin.

Boone & Cooke, Inc. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.