Preston Lee Hanna

Preston Lee Hanna, 69, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on November 20, 2023. He was born in Pensacola on September 10, 1954, to William Grady Hanna and Lacy Lodge Mayon. He was married to his wife Rita T. Hanna for 47 years. Preston was a proud native son of Pensacola, Florida with deep roots in Georgia where he spent joyful childhood summers on the farm with his grandparents Ruby and Greene Lodge. These idyllic summers created lasting memories of connection with family and the land. He cherished the annual family reunions in Thomasville, Georgia, gathering with all 12 aunts and uncles and many cousins. He fondly recalled his youth in the Myrtle Grove area, where he served as a dedicated paperboy, delivering news on his bike with his loyal companion Duke by his side. It was during these early years that he developed a strong work ethic, a quality that would later contribute to his success in baseball. His passion for baseball blossomed during his youth, he cherished his MG youth baseball days as a boy of summer and became a dominate pitcher in the youth leagues. As a young pitcher, Preston quickly gained a reputation for his skill and determination, culminating in a remarkable perfect game at the age of 12, a feat he would repeat in high school along with multiple pitching records and no-hitters. In high school, Preston's athletic prowess extended beyond the baseball diamond. He achieved All-State honors in both football and baseball, showcasing his versatility and talent. His crowning achievements came in 1972 when he led the Escambia High School Rebels to a State Championship in baseball under the tutelage of Coach Fred Waters and being named the first ever Pensacola Athlete of the Year in 1972. Despite receiving numerous scholarship offers, Preston was persuaded to pursue his dream and turn pro after being drafted as the #1 pick, 11th overall by the Atlanta Braves in 1972. His journey from a Myrtle Grove paperboy to a Major League Baseball player was a testament to his dedication, talent, and love for the game. Preston went on to enjoy his dream come true playing in the MLB as a RHP for the Atlanta Braves from 1975 – 1982. He would later return home to coach his sons and daughter while volunteering at the same Myrtle Grove ballpark he grew up competing and developing his own skills. A generous, loyal, and empathetic man who would rescue and provide for friends and family in need without ever to speak about it again. He is preceded in death by his stepfather Lenest P. “Sonny” Mayon, mother Lacy Mayon, father William Grady Hanna, and brother Vernard Hanna. Preston is survived by his loving wife, Rita Trujillo Hanna, and their children: daughter Caroline Rene Hanna, son Warren Lee Hanna (Kristina), and son Preston Seth Hanna (Veronica). He is also survived by his brother Rodney Hanna (Nancy), sister Ann Mayon Seal, and stepbrothers Jeffrey and Mickey Mayon (Stephanie). In addition to his immediate family, Preston leaves behind a legacy through his 11 grandchildren: Gabriel, Destiney, Isabella, Elijah, Paige, Preston Luke, Boston, Aaliyah, Harper, Brynlee, and Barrett, 5 grand dogs: Rocco, Ronnie, Pixie, Pretzel, Charlie and too many cats to name. A memorial service to celebrate Preston's life will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 3:30pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South at 100 Beverly Pkwy, Pensacola FL 32505. Visitation will be from 2:00pm to 3:20pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, 3540 Crain Highway Ste 675, Bowie, MD 20716 or https://give.epilepsy.com/page/33651/donate/1 Preston will always be remembered in our hearts and never forgotten. #49…up and in…Fly high!

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Preston Lee Hanna

September 10, 1954 - November 20, 2023