Funeral services for Terrence Acker Hanks, age 92, of Whitehouse, are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, 10 a.m. at Whitehouse United Methodist Church with the Rev. Matt Thomas and the Rev. Sherman Mayfield officiating. Interment will follow in Whitehouse Cemetery under direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler. Mr. Hanks died on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, following a brief illness.

Acker was born Feb. 26, 1922, in Whitehouse to Terrence Powderly "T.P." and Addie Mae Hanks. He graduated from Whitehouse High School in 1940. Following graduation, he graduated from Tyler Commercial College in 1941 with a certificate in accounting. He worked for Trailways Bus Line as a ticket salesman, accountant and driver. On Jan. 21, 1942, he married Allean Norman. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Oct. 27, 1942. Acker and Allean's son, Terry Gordon Hanks, was born on July 7, 1944. Acker was discharged from the Air Corps on Dec. 3, 1945, at the end of World War II.

Throughout high school and his years with the Air Corps, Acker developed skills in basketball. In 1946, legendary coach, Floyd Wagstaff, offered him an opportunity to play basketball for Tyler Junior College. He was the first athlete recruited by Coach Wagstaff. After attending Tyler Junior College, Acker graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1949, with a Bachelor of Science. Acker was inducted into the Tyler Junior College Circle of Honor on Feb. 19, 2011.

Acker taught for five years in New Waverly. He and his family moved back to East Texas where he became the principal of Bullard Elementary School for two years and the Whitehouse Elementary School principal for nine years. In 1966, he returned to the classroom to teach agriculture at Whitehouse High School until he retired in 1985.

In 1979, Acker married Bobbie Joice Hearon. Acker served four terms on the Whitehouse City Council and one term as mayor of the city of Whitehouse. Acker was always a farm boy at heart! He established a large cattle operation that he sold in 1992. Acker and Bobbie were named 2002 Whitehouse Mr. and Mrs. Yesteryear. They were instrumental in establishing the Whitehouse YMCA and the construction of the Whitehouse Meals On Wheels building. As a couple, they enjoyed square dancing, traveling and camping with friends. Hunting with his son and grandsons was one of his passions. Most of Acker's adult life was spent working with many students in the Future Farmers of America program.

Acker was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Sterl Hanks; and sister-in-law, Yuba Hanks.

Acker is survived by his wife of 35 years, Bobbie; and son, Terry and wife Thelma Joe Hanks, of Whitehouse. He is survived by four stepchildren, Linda Ham, Maria Davenport and husband, Joe, Larry Hearon, Kenneth Hearon and wife Sue. He is survived by three grandsons, Dee Hanks and wife Julie, of Flint, Ron Hanks and wife Barbara, of Talty, Mike Hanks and wife Ronna, of Whitehouse. He is survived by seven stepgrandchildren. He is survived by five great-grandchildren, Andrew Hanks and wife Lindsay, of Tyler, Collin Hanks and wife Jessica, of Tyler, Grant Hanks, of Flint, Clay Hanks, of Whitehouse, Halie Hanks, of Whitehouse; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. He is survived by two great-great-grandsons, Jayden Hanks and Kye Hanks, of Tyler. He is survived by nieces, Becky Goldsmith and husband Glen, of Palestine, and Glenda Johnson and husband Johnny, of Weatherford.