Dalton's smile will still live on

Shock, disbelief and sadness were the emotions that began hitting the Flomaton community last Wednesday as people learned that the person who died in an industrial accident in Cantonment was 2022 Flomaton High School graduate Dalton Layne Hanks, 19.

Social media and television stations began reporting that someone had been killed about 4:30 p.m. at the Foley Products Company concrete site on North Highway 95A near Quintette Road in Cantonment. Those reports didn't mention a name, other than a man had become entangled in a cement mixer and was killed.

It wasn't long afterwards that people in Flomaton learned the victim of that accident was Hanks.

People who knew Hanks talked about his smile. They talked about how he had no enemies and how everybody loved him.

His brother Logan, who is 23-years old, said he and his brother had the normal sibling rivalries, fights and disagreements growing up but said Dalton had a big heart and would help anybody.

"Everywhere he went he would always hug people and tell them he loved them," Logan said. "It was genuine, he really loved everybody."

He said he used to joke with Dalton about being a comic book geek but noted he cared more about people than his comic books.

"He was the most generous person on the planet," Logan said. "And he will be dearly missed by a lot of people."

George Brown was the Flomaton High School principal last school year during Dalton's senior year and echoed Logan's statements that everybody liked Dalton.

"I was only the principal at FHS for one year but I know and remember Dalton well," Brown said. "I actually graduated with his mother. As a principal, you remember the kids you don't see often as they are the ones who are always doing what they are supposed to be doing."

"Dalton was one of those kids," Brown added, "always doing what was asked of him by teachers. He was well-liked by his peers and I certainly liked that young man."

"To his mother and my friend, Samantha, on behalf of the Escambia County School District and Flomaton High School, we send our condolences."

Flomaton High School English teacher Jessica Green also talked about Dalton always having a smile on his face.

"He was a great friend and had a kind and encouraging word for all who came in contact with him," Green said. "I never heard him complain about anything or anyone."

"He remained positive and kept us on our toes with his next word or move," Green added. "We will always remember that infectious positivity and smiling face."

In addition to comic books, Dalton enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing and writing music, playing video games, putting together puzzles and Legos and reading and dancing.

Family members also said he was very excited about becoming a father.

Visitation was held Tuesday, March 21, at Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home and Dalton's funeral was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Petty's with Brother Al Bethea officiating. Burial was held at Flomaton Cemetery. For the complete obituary see Page 7 inside today's Tri-City Ledger.