Robert Lee Hankins

Robert Lee Hankins
March 9, 1945 – February 14, 2026
Robert Lee Hankins, beloved husband, father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on
February 14, 2026. Born on March 9, 1945, in Tupelo,
Mississippi, to JB and Annie Mae Hankins, Robert was the third
of five children and the only son.
Bob began his early education in the basement of New Providence Baptist Church, where he accepted
Christ as a child. A gifted athlete, Bob played quarterback at George Washington Carver High School. After
being declined admission at Notre Dame as a Black quarterback, he enrolled at Mary Holmes Junior College
before transferring to Southern University on an athletic scholarship. At Southern, he pursued studies in art
and history, and also distinguished himself in both baseball and football.
During his college years, Bob worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC),
helping to register Black voters in the South — a testament to his lifelong belief in justice and equality. After
graduating, his family moved to Chicago, and he played minor league baseball. After migrating to Grand
Rapids, Michigan, he met and married the love of his life, Maggie. He embraced Maggie’s daughters, Tirah
and Avonte, as his own, forming a close and loving family.
Bob was a trailblazer as Michigan's first Black claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance. His drive for
business inspired him to start his own insurance agency and pursue other business interests. Always eager to
learn, Bob shifted careers by training in computer-aided design. Even after retiring, he stayed active
professionally, working as a disaster claims adjuster and assisting families recovering from major storms like
Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.
Bob was also a talented painter whose artwork hangs proudly in the homes of family and friends — a lasting
reminder of his creativity and imagination. Outside of work, he was known for his generous spirit, engaging
conversations, and infectious laughter. An accomplished and avid golfer, he served as president of the
Furniture City Golf Club and was always eager to share a tip or two on the game he loved.
Bob’s legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Maggie; daughters Tirah Thompson (Stan) and Avonte
Jackson (Kedrich); grandchildren Aaron Eanes (Amanda), Andre Eanes, Talya Jackson, and Jarel Jackson;
great-granddaughter Kennedi; sister Betty (William); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, JB and Annie Hankins, and sisters Annie, Beulah, and Lula.
Bob will be remembered for his wisdom, humor, and creativity — a man who lived fully and loved deeply. He
will be dearly missed.

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