Alonzo Hagans

Alonzo Hagans passed away on February 21, 2020 at home with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his devoted wife, Arnetta, his children Alanda & husband Jeff, Alonda, Jake, a nephew, Kevin, and a special sister-in-law, Esther.
Alonzo was born May 10, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA. He developed two great loves, jazz music and the Christian ministry. He played many instruments including the clarinet, trumpet, and his favorite, the tenor saxophone. At the age of 17, he got a job playing with a big band. Over the next years, he played alongside such now renowned jazz musicians as Jimmy Heath and John Coltrane.
From a youth, he was a regular attendee at his family church. In church, he frequently heard the scriptural adage ‘If you do not confess me before men, neither will I confess you.’ Seeing Jehovah's Witnesses put this principle into practice by devoting their life to helping others learn more about the Bible moved him to change his priorities in life. He left his budding career as a musician and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1951. He spent over 60 years in the full time ministry as an unpaid volunteer minister in Texas, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He was often known for walking from door to door in neighborhoods, and through commercial districts, sharing the message of God's Kingdom with whomever was willing to listen. He was the tall man with the thick eyeglasses who walked and talked about the Bible. Besides the many hours he spent helping others, he worked secularly to support his ministry and later also his family. He never lost his love for making music. During leisure moments, he played his tenor saxophone to entertain family and friends. Nevertheless, his strong love for people and desire to help them spiritually did not diminish as the years wore on. His zeal for the ministry was ever bright and fresh. As the years progressed, the love he had at first was stronger than ever. This was demonstrated by his prayerful reliance on Jehovah, the God of the Bible, his continued efforts to study God’s Word, and his readiness to share with anyone the good news about the Christ, Jesus, and his Kingdom. His example will
speak to his family and close friends for years to come.

The memorial service for Alonzo Hagans will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 2816 US-11, Athens TN 37303. 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Alonzo and/or personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.