Delmer "DG' Gray Hanks, born March 18, 1938, passed away after a brief illness on March 11, 2026 at the age of 87.

Delmer was a man with many talents. He was a Master Electrician and talked about his past jobs and how he absolutely loved what he did. He grew up in the mountains of Virginia, Hillsville area. He served in the Navy for 4 years and married Amanda Shockley. Together they had 1 daughter, Courtney Hanks Hayworth whom he adored. Both Amada and Coutney are now deceased.

Delmer was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Walter Lee Hanks and Verna Mae Gardner Hanks. Sisters: Doris Gay Hanks and Erma Dawn Hanks Lowe and a brother, Eugene Hanks.

Delmer was currently living in Franklin, Virginia. He had, as he called it, his adopted family whom he adored. Donna Pope Laffetty and husband, Bryan, granddaughter Kayla Brooke White, grandson, Jim White, Jr. and a special great grandson, Tucker White.

Papa Pops, as we called him, loved spending time at Lake Gaston, riding on the boat, sitting on the deck and could tell you how many people were on a boat way out on the lake, he had keen eyes. His favorite was asking Bryan what we are eating tonight. Papa has stayed with us almost every weekend for years. He will truly be missed.

He has nieces and nephews that will miss him greatly.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 1:00 PM with Pastor Ty Harrison officiating. Burial will be in the Shockley Cemetery.  Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.