Atwell Green Hankins

Atwell Green Hankins Sr. ran into the Father’s arms at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the age of 84, with his family worshipping around his bedside. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose impact on his family and community will be profoundly missed.

There will be a visitation for Atwell on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 6 – 8 pm at Cottle Pearson Funeral Home, Overton, Texas.

Funeral Services for Atwell will be on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11 am at the First Assembly of God Church, 501 E Brandon St, Overton Texas. Interment will be immediately following the service at Overton City Cemetery, in Overton, Texas.

Atwell was born on February 16, 1941, to Elzie Green and Icie Electra Hankins. He attended and graduated from Overton High School in 1959.

After high school, without telling his mother, he joined the United States Army, where he served from 1959 to 1962 as a paratrooper and mechanic.

While in the army, he met the love of his life, Louise Hayes, on February 10th, 1962, on a blind date. After 16 dates and 4 quick months later, they married on June 8, 1962. They were happily married for 62 years and would’ve celebrated their 63rd this June.

Atwell was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1984 and again in 2003 for his outstanding community involvement, leadership, support and commitment.

Throughout his life, Atwell pursued many occupations he found fulfilling, but among his most cherished was owning and operating his full-service Exxon station. From 1968 to 1988, he faithfully served his community, earning the respect and trust of those he was proud to call friends.

He was called to ministry in 1988 and pastored his first church in Ore City, Tx until 1992. He then moved back to Overton and became the pastor of First Assembly of God, where he was still actively pastoring, up until 3 weeks ago when he was admitted to the hospital. This was his true passion in life. To be a follower of Jesus and lead others to follow him also. Not only for the now, but to leave a legacy for the generations that come behind him.

Atwell is survived by his loving wife, Louise Hankins, children Susan Cox and husband Michael (Zero), Glenda Holleman, Brud Hankins and wife Jamie, and Tina Florey and husband Scott. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Caycee Bell and husband Michael, Caven Cox and wife Robin, Lance Holleman and wife Angela, Joshua Holleman and wife Kourtney, Whitney Sikes and husband Daniel, Bethany Grayson and husband Chris, John Michael Florey and wife Amber, Brayden Hankins and wife Madison; 22 great-grandchildren and his brother Haymon Hankins and wife Beth, and his sister, Glendale Whitten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elzie Green and Icie Electra Hankins and his brother in law, Rex Whitten.

He will be greatly missed, but let the legacy of his life and the example he set inspire us all to live a life set apart.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cottle Pearson Funeral Home, Overton Texas.

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