Texarkana, Texas | Services for Al Hanna, known as “The Voice of the Tigers,” have been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10 at Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Sunday, November 9 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Texarkana Funeral Home, 3515 Texas Boulevard.
Hanna served as announcer of all Texas High games since 1965. His love of the game of football and enthusiasm for the Texas High Tigers began in 1957 when he first stepped foot on what was then known as Grim Stadium. Since then, no one has climbed the concrete steps to the press box more than Al Hanna.
At the beginning of the 2014 football season, Hanna celebrated his 50th year of broadcasting Texas High sports and was named to the Texarkana Sports Hall of Fame. The press box at Tiger Stadium at Grim Park bears his name and serves as Tiger Stadium at Grim Park’s crown jewel visible to all who drive by and enter the stadium.
“Al’s tireless efforts, dedication and profound knowledge of the history and tradition of Texas High football are unsurpassed,” shared Athletic Director Barry Norton. “He will be forever in our hearts and forever a Tiger.”
Hanna, 75, died Thursday, November 6, 2014, in a local hospital. He was born January 27, 1939, in Hugo, OK. He was a radio and TV broadcaster, a former news anchor and sports reporter for KTAL, KCMC and Texarkana College Radio, a former Little League Baseball coach, a member of the Texas High Tigers Booster Club and Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church.
He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Chris and Elisha Hanna and Howard and Becky Hanna; four grandchildren, Ashleigh Chesser, Ryan Hanna, Russell Hanna and Rachel Hanna; and one great-granddaughter, Annabel Chesser.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Al Hanna Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Texarkana Public Schools Foundation, 4241 Summerhill Rd., Texarkana, TX 75503.
