Obituary for Donald Ray "Don" Hansford
Donald Ray Hansford, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Born March 1, 1943, in Marion county Kentucky to Joseph Russell and Margie Lillian Hansford.
The family moved to Florida in the early 50’s, where Don attended school in Palatka, Interlachen and Green Cove Springs. After High School Don served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960-1964. After serving in the Marines Don returned to Florida, where he began his career with Florida Power and Light (FPL). During his time at FPL he worked as a lineman, foreman and retired as a troubleman in 1997 after 33 years. Don was also the union instructor for FPL when they began their gloving program. One of his proudest accomplishments while working at FPL was being chosen to help develop and implement the gloving program that allows linemen to work safely on energized lines. This program is still used today and has helped thousands of line workers work safe. Three of his four sons chose to follow Don in line work.
Don also enjoyed scuba diving and was at one time a diving instructor. He also enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and doing for others. Don led a life of service and his heart was full when he was being a servant for the Lord. He was active in and loved his church serving on many committees and singing in the choir. He was also active in Scouting, where he served as Cub Master, Scout Leader and Charter Organizational Representative.
In recent years he enjoyed cooking and donating food to the Bread of Life, where they looked forward to his famous potato salad.
His was proceeded in death by his mother, Margie L. Hansford, his father J. R. Hansford, brother Charles Hansford, half-sister Linda Dukor, and step mother Josephine Hansford.
He is survived by wife of almost 50 years, Margie Hansford, four sons John (Wendy), Joe (Nikki), Matthew (Ashlie), Justin (Julia). Brother J. Terry, half brothers Hal and Ray, and half sister Connie. Eleven grandchildren, Austin (Elaina), Cade, Jenna, Taylor, Andria, Joshua, Ryleigh, Lexi, Emma, Macon and Jasmine. Three great grandchildren, Nalaya, Carlisle, and Ava Grace.
Services are Saturday March 4th at 11 am at St. James United Methodist Church 400 Reid Street, Palatka, FL. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. James UMC, The Bread of Life 320 N. 5th Street Palatka or the Palatka Christian Service Center 2600 Peters Street, Palatka, FL.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Don’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
The family moved to Florida in the early 50’s, where Don attended school in Palatka, Interlachen and Green Cove Springs. After High School Don served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960-1964. After serving in the Marines Don returned to Florida, where he began his career with Florida Power and Light (FPL). During his time at FPL he worked as a lineman, foreman and retired as a troubleman in 1997 after 33 years. Don was also the union instructor for FPL when they began their gloving program. One of his proudest accomplishments while working at FPL was being chosen to help develop and implement the gloving program that allows linemen to work safely on energized lines. This program is still used today and has helped thousands of line workers work safe. Three of his four sons chose to follow Don in line work.
Don also enjoyed scuba diving and was at one time a diving instructor. He also enjoyed fishing, camping and hunting. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and doing for others. Don led a life of service and his heart was full when he was being a servant for the Lord. He was active in and loved his church serving on many committees and singing in the choir. He was also active in Scouting, where he served as Cub Master, Scout Leader and Charter Organizational Representative.
In recent years he enjoyed cooking and donating food to the Bread of Life, where they looked forward to his famous potato salad.
His was proceeded in death by his mother, Margie L. Hansford, his father J. R. Hansford, brother Charles Hansford, half-sister Linda Dukor, and step mother Josephine Hansford.
He is survived by wife of almost 50 years, Margie Hansford, four sons John (Wendy), Joe (Nikki), Matthew (Ashlie), Justin (Julia). Brother J. Terry, half brothers Hal and Ray, and half sister Connie. Eleven grandchildren, Austin (Elaina), Cade, Jenna, Taylor, Andria, Joshua, Ryleigh, Lexi, Emma, Macon and Jasmine. Three great grandchildren, Nalaya, Carlisle, and Ava Grace.
Services are Saturday March 4th at 11 am at St. James United Methodist Church 400 Reid Street, Palatka, FL. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. James UMC, The Bread of Life 320 N. 5th Street Palatka or the Palatka Christian Service Center 2600 Peters Street, Palatka, FL.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Don’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.