Hanable Smith

On Tuesday, January 28, 2020, our beloved, Mr. Hanable Smith, Jr. exchanged time for eternity at a local hospital surrounded by family. Born to the late Hanable, (Fannie Gable) Smith, Sr. he was preceded in his homegoing by his brother, sister, and niece, Andrew Leggett, Gloria S. Rodgers, Kim Rodgers; Grandparents: George (Bessie) Gable, Sr., Charlie (Sallie) Smith and other loved ones. As a young child, Hanable Jr. was baptized at St. Louis Street Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. B.B. Williams. He remained actively involved in Sunday School, BTU, Vacation Bible School offering service wherever he could. He reconnected with Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he rededicated himself to our Lord Jesus Christ. His grandfather George Gable, Sr. and his family remained until his homegoing. Hanable Jr. was baptized at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church by Father Patrick Healy, SSJ. Affectionately called “Sonnie” by family and friends, he was a young “paper boy” for the Mobile Press Register; his route included Glennon Avenue, Terrell and Ann Streets. It was his father who introduced him to good work ethics by working early in life. His father not only encouraged, but drove him around to throw papers as he worked. He held membership in Boys Scouts of America where he learned the importance of respect, responsibility, independence and public service. A member of the Davis Avenue Recreational Center, he enjoyed competitive swimming with his friends, tennis, the summer reading program at the Mobile Public Library and church picnics at Mon Louis Island. He attended Allen Institute, Dunbar and Central High School, where he was active in football, band, and social organizations. He was an avid fisherman enjoying the outdoors, music and a connoisseur of good tasting food. For years, he prepared delicious meals following mass for his fellow parishioners. He was also a member of the Usher Board. In 1964, he became employed with SIU where he made his maiden voyage to Bombay, India with his shipmates, Andrew Hunter and Zinnonnon Jackson. A well traveled young man, he remained with Seafarer's until his retirement in 2000. Later, he would go on to work for the ILA ,where he was actively working until his health failed. Hanable Jr. (Sonnie) will be missed and remembered by his loving family: children, Tracey S. Jackson, Derrick H. Smith,Sr., Pensacola Florida, Terry T. (Ayana) Smith, Montgomery, AL, Hanable G. Thigpen, Hanable R. Smith, Britanny and Danielle Smith; grandchildren, Jasmine and Lashaundra Jackson, Derrick H.Smith, Jr.,Geneva I. Smith, Margaret S. Smith, Camron Thigpen, Darrion Pate, Destinee Johnson, three great Grandchildren, goddaughter, Missionary Chantaye R. Kidd-Peyton, three devoted sisters, Frenzetta Cheeseboro, Jeanetta(Andrew) Hunter Jr.Vivian Bryant. Nieces and Nephews, Loretta L. Montgomery, Houston, TX, R. Inez (Raymond) James, Angela B. Hosey, Rodney (Fannie) Brasley, Greensboro, N.C., Andrew (Cassaundra) Rodgers, Andrea Leggett, Antoinette (Samuel) Malonson, Houston, TX, Maylazia A. Hunter and Harriet Womack, Companion/ Cousins,Willodean S. Calhoun, Melvadean S. Dean, Walter Hall, Tommie and Labarrron Nelson, Brenda G. (Gregory) Spencer, Sr., Bessie G. Grayson, Cathy (Vincent) Walter, Geneva (Hollway) Goins Lucille Niles, sister in law, Margaret Leggett, Gable and Sylvester Families, Whistler, AL ,Childhood friends, Lil Charlie Delmore, John Spears, Dock McQuire, Ace and Barazone Wells. Sonnie is also survived by his church family, neighbors, co-workers, friends.