William E. Hanson

Mr. William E. (Bill) Hanson, age 66, of Dahlonega, GA died Wednesday, April 17, 2013.

Bill was born in Accokeek, MD October 9, 1946. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Master's Degree in Public Administration & Finance.

Bill worked as an intern at NASA after graduation. He enrolled as a VISTA volunteer (domestic PEACE Corps.) in 1969 and came to Georgia as part of President Johnson's War on Poverty. He was inspired and fulfilled by his work here to continue in the field of public service.

Bill founded Help in Housing in Lumpkin County to build houses that were affordable to low income families. He continued his commitment for safe, affordable housing as a grant proposal writer, project manager and program developer with Frank Newton and Associates in Marietta with a focus on collaborative efforts with private, local, state, and federal entities to upgrade homeless shelters, run down apartments and private homes.

Bill volunteered with many service organizations to address homelessness, poverty, and unsafe housing.

Bill was the son of the late Dewey and Beulah Hanson.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Whelchel Hanson, Dahlonega, GA; sister, Rhonda Hanson, Accokeek, MD; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Martha Elliott and Jimmy Early, Rhonda Huckeba and Carl Stowers, Carolyn and John McMahan; mother-in-law, Madge Whelchel. A number of other relatives also survive.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 PM Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Banister Funeral Home Chapel in Dahlonega.

The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega on Friday, April 19, 2013, from 5 PM until 9 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill's memory to Habitat for Humanity.

Online condolences may be made at www.banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.