Francis Giles Hanna was born October 1, 1959 in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Susan Giles Hanna and Francis C. Hanna. He departed this earthly life peacefully in his sleep on March 17, 2024 at Sumter East Health and Rehabilitation Center. Francis attended St. Jude Catholic School in Sumter, and was a proud member of the Class of 1978. He continued his education at Morris College, where he studied Business Administration graduating in 1982. Francis developed a love for music at an early age. Although his mother was a music teacher, Francis learned to play a lot of instruments on his own and the bass guitar became “The One” he would grow to love and cherish. Francis and his friends formed a band in 1976 while in High School known as “High Voltage”. Than in the early 90’s, he became a member of Prime Tyme, where he enjoyed touring and playing music with all over the United States. From September 1994 until January 2017, Francis worked at Seaco Music as an Audio Engineer and also gave guitar lessons. Teaching those who wanted to learn the art of playing the guitar. He worked until his health started to decline and retired. Francis was known to many as a fun, loving, comical person who was loved and touched many hearts. Known as the “Music Man” to some and “Hanna Banana” to others, he loved good food, a great story teller and enjoyed having a good time with family and friends. Francis knew and live “Music” from playing on his guitar to working the sound boards to his knowledge of the entertainment world. Known throughout the Sumter Community, he had a kind heart and spirit. He lived a simple and humble life. Above all, he was the coolest, best true friend a person could ever asked for in their life. Francis Hanna truly was Sumter’s best bass guitarist and a legend that will never be forgotten. Francis leaves to cherish his precious memory: the Hanna Family, The Taylor and Giles Family, numerous devoted loving friends, classmates and the entire music and Sumter Community. My place was ready to be in Heaven far above and that is why I had to leave behind all those I deeply and dearly loved. In accordance with the COVID 19 guidelines, the family is requesting no visitation. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a. m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, 821 North Main Street, Sumter, with the Rev. Dr. J. Elbert Williams, Officiating and the Rev. Joseph Ricks, Eulogist. The procession will leave from the Sleep Inn, 2510 Broad Street, Sumter, at 10:30 a. m.
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