Mr. John R. Hannah III : Obituary

On Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, at approximately 7:38 p.m., our beloved and honorable, three-time Purple Heart hero/veteran, Mr. John R. Hannah passed away, caused by a brain tumor.

Mr. Hannah is survived by loving wife, Vicki Hanna; two brothers, William Hannah and Robert Hannah; son, Benjamin Hannah; wife, Amanda Hannah; two grandsons, Brandon Hannah and Cole Hannah.

John was born into a military family and had traveled all over the United States and Europe before he chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy July 1, 1964, (just barely 19 years old). John’s first duty station was onboard the U.S.S. Wedderburn (DD-68f) where he made the western Pacific deployment, providing naval gunfire support for U.S. Marines out of Da Nang, South Vietnam, in 1966. John received orders for the Navy’s mobile riverine force, river squadron 91 out of the Dongtam, South Vietnam; returning after 14 months with new orders to attend a Vietnamese language school.

Once graduated, orders were issued, sending John back to South Vietnam to special operations group 2, duffel bag team 6. After 13 months on tour, John noticed that there were no submarines in the rivers of Vietnam. With that, John volunteered for submarine duty. John’s military career spanned over 30 years. He served with honor, pride and genuine care for his fellow brothers in arms.

John retired from the military with three Purple Hearts and 100 percent honors.

He moved to Alaska where he started his own business, Petroight. This company provided fuel flow which monitored environmental protection for the Alaskan oil pipeline. John sold his company in 2006 and relocated to Ellijay where his wife still resides.

Mr. Hannah was also an active advocate for the American Legion Post 82. He donated many wonderful items and organized many fundraisers to help his fellow brothers in arms. Mr. Hannah will forever be remembered, not only for his generosity but his sarcastic sense of humor which will live on and be laughed at in memory.

At his request he was cremated, and interment was in the Georgia National Cemetery with military rites by the U.S. Navy.

Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.