Obituary
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Charles Edward Brodnax "Ned" Hansell died peacefully on July 31, 2012, at his home, Mimosa Hall, in Roswell, at age 82. The cause of death was congestive heart failure. An attorney, a Southern gentleman, a scholar, and a civic leader, Ned was beloved by family and friends for his graciousness, his sweetness, his generosity, and his honorable ways. Born and raised in Atlanta, the only child of prominent Atlanta attorney Granger Hansell and civic leader Sarah Belle Brodnax Hansell, Ned was a modest, reserved man who preferred to accomplish things behind the scenes instead of standing in the limelight. Born in Atlanta on October 26, 1929, he skipped a grade at Druid High School and graduated cum laude from the Taft School in Watertown, CT, at age 15. He was a 1950 college graduate of Emory University, where he was awarded membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa. He earned an LLB from Harvard Law School in 1953 and several months later married Sylvia Hydes, his wife for 56 years. During the first two years of marriage, Ned served on active military duty as an officer in the Judge Advocate General's Division of the Air Force and was stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, ME. Thereafter he practiced continuously with the Atlanta law firm co-founded by his father, Hansell & Post as it was ultimately known, and its successor firm, Jones Day. He practiced with an intellectual, scholarly approach to law, focusing on business and corporations, wills and estates, and tax-exempt organizations. From 1971-1992, Ned was a leading trustee of Oglethorpe University, contributing to the school's policy on raising its academic standards. He is an honorary lifetime trustee of the Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges and was a steadfast trustee of the East-West Foundation, an international non-profit that brings Asian students to American colleges. He served on the national board of the Devereux Foundation, which helps children with emotional disabilities. He played a vital role in the development of Orchestra Atlanta (now Georgia Philharmonic) and was awarded the music director's chair in 1995. He loved classical music and history, had a fastidious memory, and was known to quote Shakespeare and Latin. Ned was the fifth generation of his family to live in historic Mimosa Hall and was its longest resident. He made significant contributions to preserving the character of historic Roswell, including serving a term on the Roswell Historic Preservation Commission. He was a longstanding member of Roswell Presbyterian Church. Memberships included the Piedmont Driving Club, Capital City Club, and Jamestowne Society. Charles Edward Brodnax Hansell was predeceased by his wife Sylvia and daughter Dorothy Hansell DeRosa. Survivors include daughter Sally Hansell and grandchildren Virginia DeRosa, Hansell DeRosa, and Grady DeRosa. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5, at Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell. The body will be interred at Oakland Cemetery. The family is grateful for the extraordinary care provided by Crossroads Hospice. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Oglethorpe University, the High Museum of Art, or Crossroads Hospice Foundation (1957 Lakeside Pkwy, Ste 500, Tucker, GA 30084).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 25, 2013
mitch melton
I did not know granger for long but he was such a great guy. he taught me to play chess. always remember how kind he was.
August 26, 2012
. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
August 23, 2012
Sally: Your father was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Frances Black Sewell
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
August 18, 2012
B O
My condolences to the Hansell family. May you all find comfort in Gods word.(1cor.15:21,22).
August 11, 2012
Pearl Brandes
Sally -- From the way you've spoken of your father and by reading his obituary, I know a source of your fine character. My sympathy to you and your family.
August 6, 2012
Warren and Lee Culpepper
Dear Sally,
Warren and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. What a remarkable man! May memories of your times together nestle in your heart and give you peace.
August 6, 2012
Sharon Hunt Phil.4:7
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
August 5, 2012
Ann DeRosa
For Virginia, Hansell, Grady and Thornton, for Sally, the DeRosas send deepest love and condolences for Ned's passing. We remember his unequaled kindness of heart, the generosity with which he shared his home and family with us, and especially, how he treasured his precious grandchildren. How lucky were we to know and love this gentle soul. Again, our thoughts are with Sally and the family. We remember him and Muzzie always. Ann DeRosa
August 5, 2012
William Mitchell
I knew Sylvia and Ned for some years as residents of Mimosa Hall, which had once belonged to Neel Reid,the famous architect who himself died there in 1926.
August 5, 2012
Peter Banks
Ned was a genuine, kind person who will be missed by all who knew him. Deepest sympathy to his family.
August 4, 2012
Al Eckhardt
My life is fuller from the many times I walked the gardens of Mimosa Hall with Mr and Mrs Hansell. What a Joyous time there was in Heaven when Sylvia meet Ned with open arms.
Thank you Lord for the Honor of being a part of their lives.
August 3, 2012
Ted Erck
Ned was a very kind gentleman. His passing will be missed by all who knew him.
August 3, 2012
Ellen Zellner
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I worked for Hansell, Post for twenty years.
August 3, 2012
Condolences from Ned's cousin ,Sallie Cook Lanier ,daughter of Annette Granger Cook,first cousin of Ned's father,Granger Hansell.
Ned was a sweet, caring relative.
August 3, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Hansell family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
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