Earl Hancock

Earl was born September 28, 1928 in Gregg County, Texas to Roscoe and Myrtle (Waller) Hancock. He was a long-time resident of Longview, Texas and attended Judson Grove School. He served our country in the Navy from 1946 to 1949 and in the Air Force from 1950 to 1967, retiring following 20 years of dedicated service, which included tours during the Korean War, Vietnam War and WW II wrap-up. He received special recognition for WW II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Following his service in the Korean War, he was stationed at Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY where all of his children were born, Hickam AFB in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Minot AFB in Minot ND. After his retirement, he worked as a Machinist at Lebus Mfg. He was a faithful member and deacon of Fellowship Baptist Church. He loved to camp, fish, hunt and travel with his beloved wife, Joy. Family vacations were spent tent-camping at the lakes he loved, where so many special memories were made.

He loved his family immensely and that love was returned to him. He was a loyal, loving Husband, Son, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Great Great Grandfather and Brother. His family made his eyes light up. Holidays were always special with him. He blessed this world for over 95 years, married to the love of his life, Joy, for almost 71 years. He never met a stranger and loved to talk and tell tales of his childhood, military life, family life and his fishing, camping and hunting adventures. He loved children and was known for years as “The Candy Man” at his church because of the candy he kept in his pocket for the children. He was always cheerful, making jokes and teasing everyone he interacted with. He loved to cut-up and “flirt” with his nurses when he was in the hospital. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for the loving and devoted man that he was.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle (Waller) and Roscoe Hancock, daughter, Nancy Hancock, brothers, John and Jerry Hancock, and sister, Lillian Walker. He leaves behind his loving wife, Joy, daughter, Linda Ayres (Fred), son, Richard Hancock, sister, JoAnn Wessell (Kenny), Granddaughters, Jenny Pierson (Jay) and Amanda White (Blair Manasse), Great Granddaughters Makaela Coligan (Cameron), Ravyn Collum (Koltin McNair), Emma Pierson, Great Grandson, Noah, Great Great Granddaughter, Emery McNair and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends, and his dog, Oscar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church in his name or to a charity of your choice.