My father, Cleveland Hanks, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas, and our family is heartbroken. He battled COPD and chronic lung disease for years, but his spirit was always strong. I found him at his home after coming back from visiting my other children for the holiday, and the shock and pain of losing him has been overwhelming. He was not just my dad—he was my best friend, and the person I could always count on. He was a loving father, son, and grandfather, with two children and eight grandchildren who adored him.

Cleveland was a true handyman, always ready to help anyone who needed it. He loved to fish and cherished every moment with his grandbabies, who meant the world to him. He was the life of the party, a jokester who could light up any room and make everyone laugh and smile. He was unapologetically himself, never afraid to be real and honest, and that made him so special to everyone who knew him.

We are planning to cremate him and hold a celebration of life service to honor his memory. These times are incredibly hard for us, and we are asking for prayers and support as we grieve. Any help with the costs of his memorial service would mean so much to our family, allowing us to gather and remember the amazing man he was. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.