He was born in Eustis, FL, to the late Thomas Keys Hannah, Sr. and Annie Granberry Jackson Hannah.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vickie Hannah; sons Matthew Sapp(Amanda) and Lucas Sapp (Jessica); grandchildren, Emeline, Hunter, Nolan and Rylee, all of Tallahassee; sisters, Harryette Hannah, Eustis, FL, Mary Ann Nelson (Mike), Panama City; niece, Kathy Christo; nephews, Paul Christo and Jimmy Christo; and great nephews, G.L. Hall and Palmer Christo, all of Panama City, FL; and brother-in-law, Kim (Kathy) Sands.
Thomas was raised in Eustis and graduated from Eustis High School. He earned his AA degree from St. Johns River Junior College. He graduated from Florida State University with a degree in criminology in 1973. He was a member and officer of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Thomas began a professional career in Florida State government in 1974. Over the next 35 years of service he became the Chief of Investigative Services for the Department of Business and Professional Regulations, Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration. During his government service, he led Florida’s investigative services for the regulation of professionals in medicine, pharmacy, health and business. He received numerous professional, governmental and civic commendations for his outstanding dedication to the health and safety of Floridians. In 2007, he received the National Ronald K. Williamson Memorial Award for Investigators in Medicine. Throughout his career he was admired as a caring and consummate professional who was both fair to those he regulated and vigilant for the citizens he protected. Upon retirement, he became a national speaker and consultant, instructing investigators, inspectors and government leaders in the regulation of licensed professionals. He and Vickie loved to travel, often in their RV, discovering new and interesting places throughout the United States. They also loved caring for their four precious grandchildren. In Tallahassee, Thomas was a valued and active member of many civic organizations including Jaycees, United Way, March of Dimes, Springtime Tallahassee, Cruisin’ Covettes of Tallahassee, the Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni Association and Seminole Boosters. Thomas was never just a “member” of an organization, but always gave the special effort to go the extra mile to do more than his share. Thomas loved his woodwork shop, but most enjoyed helping his friends with their own projects. Thomas Hannah will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and loyal friend who never had a harsh word about anyone and was always there to help. He was a perfect example of the modern day Good Samaritan who lived his faith in his daily life. His motto was “always take the high road”.
A visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Culley’s MeadowWood Timberlane Road Chapel, Tallahassee, FL. Funeral services will be held at Canopy Roads Baptist Church, Bannerman Road, Tallahassee, FL, at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 16, 2013. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial gifts to a charity of their choice.
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