William Lewis Hanson

William Lewis Hanson died peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at his home in Fairplay, Georgia.  Lewis died in the home in which he was reared.  Except for his years in military service and his post-doctoral work in New Jersey, he lived in this home on his beloved farm all his life. Loved by family and friends, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity and good will.  He was 93.

Born in Fairplay, Georgia on March 21, 1931 to the late William Lester Hanson and Addie Belle Peters Hanson, Lewis attended Fairplay School and graduated in the 11th grade from Rutledge High School, where he was the Valedictorian.  A year later, he graduated 12th grade from Morgan County High School.  After his years in the Army, Lewis returned home to attend the University of Georgia, where he earned B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in zoology.  He did post-doctoral work at Rutgers University after which he joined the faculty at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.  There he served as Head of the Department of Parasitology and established the graduate program in Parasitology.    He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and numerous honorary and professional societies.  In addition to his teaching duties, he did massive research in the field of Parasitology for the World Health Organization and the United States Department of Defense.  During his work as a researcher, he traveled the globe.    In 1973 he converted his family farm to a cattle operation. After his retirement, he was able to farm full time.  He took great pride in the care of the land and his farm animals.

Dr. Hanson is survived by his nephew, Horace Malcolm, Jr. of Fairplay and his niece, Gloria Chandler of Good Hope.  He was predeceased by his companion of 32 years, Nell Howard Landers and his sister, Lottie Belle Malcolm.  In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to the Morgan County Humane Society. 

Graveside services will take place on Sunday, September 1 at 2:00 pm at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 3861 Ebenezer Church Road, Social Circle, Georgia 30025.

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