John Arthur Hanks, 65, of Miramar, Florida, went home to be with his Lord and Savior early Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026, at his residence.
John was a native Floridian, born on May 13, 1960, in Coral Gables, Florida. He was the son of Anita (Burket) Hanks and Sidney Jackson Hanks Jr., “Jack.” He was raised in Hialeah, where he lived for many years, and graduated from Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School, Class of 1979.
John began working alongside his father at Lowe-Hanks Funeral Home while attending Miami-Dade Community College, where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science. After several years working with his father, he continued his career at Florida Funeral Home and Crematory. He later went on to establish his own business, John Hanks Memorial Services, first in Miami Springs and later relocating to Davie, Florida.
A dedicated member of his community, John served as past president of the Hialeah-Miami Springs Kiwanis Club, was a board member of the Salvation Army, and was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Miami Springs. Affectionately known as the “mayor” of his neighborhood, John could often be seen riding around on his scooter, greeting friends and neighbors. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
John enjoyed tinkering around the house, building projects in his garage, and attending social gatherings. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Mark Bennett.
John is survived by his loving daughter, Sydney Ponce de Leon (Jake); his son, Jarrett Hanks; his twin granddaughters, Lily and Emery; his sisters, Diane Bennett and Lori Hanks Stanley (Chuck); his brother, Scott J. Hanks (Angie); several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his longtime companion and caregiver, Melissa Wildman Hanks.
A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 North University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024, with Pastor Robert Fowler officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your favorite charity in John’s memory.
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