Lenzie Orr Hansford

Lenzie Orr Hansford was born July 18, 1928 in Caples, West Virginia. In his youth, he would allow his younger sister, Estelle, to ride on the handle bars of his bicycle and have pillow fights with her at night. As a young man, he entered into active duty with the United States Army on January 24, 1951 and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1952. During his military service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, as well as the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar. In his later years, he regularly participated in the annual Veteran’s Day Parade until he was no longer physically able to do so. Over the years, Lenzie traveled to many cities. He loved church and often worshipped at Greater Liberty Temple Church of God in Christ in Columbus. Music was a way of life for him; he loved to sing. He enjoyed going to family member’s homes to have dinner, especially during the holidays or when celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. Lenzie spent a lot of time with his nieces and nephews. He was a very loving, caring, and giving uncle. On Monday, March 23, 2015, at the age of 86, Lenzie departed this earthly life while at the Isabelle Ridgway Care Center in Columbus. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Lindsay Hansford, mother, Janie Orr James, sisters, Jerri Torrence, Elizabeth Wilbon, Patricia Davie, Della Bryant, and Margaret Hairston, and brothers, John Rash, William Rash, and Monroe James. Lenzie is survived by his sister, Estelle Rash; nieces, Yvette Winston, Shirley Williams, Yvonne Wheeler, and Robin Locke; nephew, Johnny Hairston; cousin, Frank Thomas; sister-in-law, Jean Rash; and many more nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.