Royce Clark Hanks

Royce Clark Hanks of Thurmond, N.C., was born Oct. 17, 1948, in Elkin, N.C., to John Reece Hanks and Ila DeEtte Bauguess Hanks. He passed away on Monday, April 13,2026, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., at the age of 77. 

Royce grew up in Wilkes County, N.C., and graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1966. He married Betty Sue Akers of Galax, Va., in 1968 and the couple had two sons: Bryan Clark Hanks in 1969 and Darrell Steven Hanks in 1970. Royce was later married to Sara Dancy (son, Edward Joines) and was married to Zola Brooks when he passed away. 

He retired from L.P. Building Solutions in Roaring River, N.C., in 2013 after 30-plus years with the company. 

He was a lifelong member of Roaring Gap Baptist Church in Thurmond, N.C. 

He is survived by his wife, Zola; two sons, Bryan (wife Linda) of Kinston, N.C. and Darrell (wife Leslie) of Dobson, N.C.; and three grandchildren, Andrew, Cara and Ila of Dobson, N.C. 

A ceremony to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Roaring Gap Baptist Church with Rev. Dalen Foster officiating. Entombment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 P M prior to the service at the church. 

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Roaring Gap Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Jim Billings, 267 E. Roaring Gap Church Road, Thurmond, NC 28683. 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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