Jacob "Jay" Rence Hanson

Jacob Rence Hanson (Jay), 86, of Troutman, North Carolina, passed away on March 17, 2023, with his wife by his side.

Jay was born on August 26, 1936 in Greensburg, PA. Jay met his beloved June while attending Greensburg High School. They were married for over 65 years.

Jay enjoyed a long and successful career in trucking and logistics for a variety of companies, including post-retirement expert-consulting and legal case preparation with Roger Allen of RGK Consultants, LLC in Friendswood, Texas.

Jay loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed cruises with his family to many destinations, including the Panama Canal, Bermuda, Alaska, Hawaii, and across the Caribbean. For over 30 years, he and his entire family came together on an annual beach trip and made many wonderful memories. He always loved going to local baseball games or dirt track racing.

Jay cherished and cared for many pets over the years. He recently lost his closest companion, Miley, a rescued Golden Retriever who rarely left his side.

Jay was a devoted member of many church choirs during his life, including Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Troutman.

Jay was predeceased by his parents, Ruth Silvis Hanson and Wilbert H. (Swick) Hanson, and his son Jay D. Hanson. He is survived by his wife, June Costabile Hanson, daughters Kimberly and husband Regie Bryant of Charlotte, Karla and her partner Brian Cattrell of Johnson City, Tennessee,  grandson Aaron and wife Stephanie Rentschler of Rock Hill, grand-daughter Amanda and husband Anthony D'Oriano of Charleston, great grandchildren Asa, Jaya, Lane, Margo, Atlas, Pax, and Reverie, a niece, nephews, great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and many loved ones.

Jay’s life was full and blessed–he was a lifeguard, and enjoyed golfing, especially with his grandson.  His friends and family will remember him for many things, as a fan of NASCAR, the Panthers, and the Steelers, and most of all, as the husband, father, and grandfather who was always there for his family and church, loyal and steadfast, never missing an event (especially Christmas, his favorite season), he was there, ready with his dry humor and predictable sayings–he will be so very missed.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Dieter W. Punt officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite animal rescue, or Music and Worship at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 308, Troutman, NC 28166.