Shelby G Hancock, age 82, of Machesney Park, Illinois passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was born August 25, 1943 in Rector, Arkansas to Gene and Mary (Shelby) Hancock. He married the love of his life, Shirley Dahlin, on June 30, 1962. Shelby worked for many years as a truck driver. He was ordained as a minister through the Assemblies of God and served a few different churches over the years.
Shelby enjoyed fishing and hunting. He enjoyed reading westerns. Most of all, Shelby loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Hancock; son, Stacy (Jenny) Hancock; grandchildren, Jesse (Emily) Gullikson, Jacqueline (Corey) Shipman, Courtney (Matt) Carroll, Jake (Ashley) Hancock, Brianna Brauer, and Brennan (Rachel) Brauer; sixteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Evelyn (Roy) Gipson, Gary (Rose) Layne, and Sandy Marrs; son-in-law, Kirk Gullikson; special neighbor, June (Jerry) Martin; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sheila Gullikson; parents, Gene and Mary Hancock; sisters, Thelma Parks and Wanda Shipp; and brother-in-law, Jim Marrs.
A visitation for Shelby will be held on Thursday, January 8 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115. A service will be held on Friday, January 9 at 10:00 am at Sunset Funeral Home with burial rites to follow.
