With a twinkle in his eye, Bill Hannon brought joy to the hearts of Mary Bramlett Elementary students and teachers every morning.

Hannon, 72, stood outside the cafeteria entrance for eight years in the capacity of school crossing guard and official greeter. He made sure students and teachers arrived at the school safely.

His duties at Mary Bramlett Elementary were a regular morning routine for Hannon in the same way some adults always start their day with a cup of coffee.

The school faculty called his crossing guard location, "Bill's Corner."

The corner stands vacant now after Bill died Dec. 30 from complications following surgery.

Mary Bramlett Elementary held a memorial service Monday afternoon at "Bill's Corner" to remember a crossing guard considered part of the school family.

Students and faculty presented to Hannon's family scrapbooks filled with favorite memories and photographs from his time volunteering with the school.

"My father was very special and it has meant so much to our family to see the outpouring of love from everyone," said Janet Painter, one of Hannon's daughters.

Many of Bill Hannon's relatives joined Mary Bramlett Elementary students and teachers Monday afternoon for a memorial service near the cafeteria entrance. Hannon touched many lives during his eight years as a school crossing guard. (Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL) Mary Bramlett Elementary students planted two Scarlet Knight roses beside the entrance where Hannon began each morning. The Knight roses symbolized Hannon's role in protecting and serving students.

Before leaving the memorial service, students placed confetti on the ground next to heart-shaped stepping stones made by first grade teacher Leslie Ellis.

"Mr. Hannon was there at 7 a.m. in the morning every day," reading interventionist Mary Price said. "You could not pass through the doors with a frown on your face after being greeted by him."

Hannon began working as a crossing guard following his retirement in February of 1998 from Hoechst Celanese in Spartanburg. He retired with 30 years of perfect attendance.

He filled some of his retirement hours with part-time work as a security officer for Nestle and drove cars for Roger Shiflett Ford dealership.

Hannon was a U.S. Army veteran and a longtime member of Park Hills Baptist Church. He was a Sunday school director, deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member.

He often spent the Christmas holidays dressed in a bright red Santa Claus suit at community functions.

Park Hills Baptist Church Pastor Larry Sanders remembered Hannon as a faithful person, full of laughter and love for life.

"Bill was a hunting buddy of mine. He once shot a deer and had to mount it in his office because his wife wouldn't let him put it in the den. He called the deer 'Rudolf," Sanders recalled. "There were occasions when we would want him to leave at 6:30 a.m. to go hunting. Bill always said he couldn't meet us until 8:30 a.m. when he was done with his crossing guard duties at Mary Bramlett. He loved being around people and was a great friend. We will miss him greatly."