William Thomas “Tom” Hankins Jr., 69, of Franklin died March 27 at Williamson Medical Center. He was born Oct. 19, 1946 in Warren County to William T. Hankins and Ruby Martin Hankins, who both predeceased him.
   With his family, he moved to Hickman County in early childhood and attended public schools where he played football, basketball and baseball at Hickman County High School. An alumnus of Belmont University (B.A., 1968), he was a pitcher for the baseball team. Hankins received a master of education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1972. Hankins taught at schools in Florida and Perry County (where he coached women’s basketball at the high school) before being employed by the Williamson County Board of Education. Though he taught at several schools in the county, he spent the majority of his teaching career as vice principal at Franklin High School. An avid golfer, Tom played from his high school on years into his retirement. He enjoyed participating in a variety of sports as well as watching sporting events of all kinds. He never tired of discussing teams and offering commentary.
   A member of the Nashville-Franklin Elks Lodge No. 72, family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Tom Hankins, also known to many as “Coach” at the lodge on Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m. The lodge is located at 485 Oak Meadow Drive, Franklin, TN 37064. Memorial contributions may be made to the scholarship fund of Elks Lodge No. 72, Meals on Wheels in your community, or to any animal shelter of your choice. Services are in care of Williamson Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 615-794-2289, www.williamsonmemorial.com.