Harold Stinson Hankerson, Jr

Harold Stinson Hankerson, Jr., passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at Methodist Midlothian Medical Center in Midlothian, Texas. Born in Los Angeles, California, Harold lived a life guided by faith, family, hard work, and a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, family leader, and friend, Harold was the kind of man whose wisdom was sought and whose presence brought comfort. Family members knew they could turn to him whenever they needed advice, perspective, or encouragement. He possessed a wealth of knowledge and a thoughtful way of looking at life that made others feel heard, understood, and supported.

Harold earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration and built a successful career in accounting and financial management. He worked for Bank of America and later for ADP, where he was respected for his professionalism, dedication, and strong work ethic. Providing for his family and ensuring their well-being was one of his greatest sources of pride.

Above all else, Harold cherished his family. He was married to the love of his life, Maxine Hankerson (née Williams), and together they built a family grounded in love, faith, and lasting traditions.

Though naturally quiet, Harold knew how to fill a home with warmth and joy. Family members remember Friday and Saturday evenings when records would fill the house and everyone would end up dancing together in the living room. He was the parent planning family trips, making birthdays special, and finding ways to turn ordinary moments into lasting memories. Whether it was taking a daughter out to dinner, surprising her with flowers, or slipping a thoughtful letter into a birthday card, Harold had a gift for making those he loved feel special.

To his children, he was both a teacher and an encourager. He taught them to be curious about the world, to work hard, and to approach life thoughtfully rather than impulsively. He shared practical lessons as readily as life lessons, from teaching his daughter how to work on cars to sharing his love of history during family travels. He believed learning should never stop and took genuine joy in helping others grow.

Harold was also the spiritual anchor of his family. Holiday gatherings often began with his prayer, and over time he created a tradition of inviting everyone around the table to share what they were thankful for. It was a simple act that reflected what mattered most to him—faith, gratitude, and family connection.

Known for his patience, kindness, and understanding, Harold rarely raised his voice. He led through calmness, consistency, and example. His family remembers him as a gentle soul who earned respect not through force, but through the way he treated others. He demonstrated that much can be accomplished through patience and that sometimes it is not what you say, but how you say it that leaves the greatest impact.

Sports and fishing were among Harold's favorite pastimes, and he could happily spend hours discussing athletes, teams, and memorable games. Yet his greatest joy remained the people he loved. During the COVID pandemic, he helped establish regular family Zoom gatherings so that loved ones could remain connected, a tradition that continues to bring the family together today.

Harold's legacy lives on in the values he passed to future generations: faith in God, devotion to family, commitment to community, a strong work ethic, and the importance of making time for those who matter most.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, trusted advisor, faithful friend, and respected patriarch whose quiet strength shaped the lives of many.

Those who loved Harold will miss his warm hugs, his steady guidance, and the comfort of knowing that no matter the question, he was always willing to listen.

His life reminds us that family is life's greatest treasure, that wisdom is best shared with kindness, and that the memories we create with those we love become the legacy we leave behind.