Charles "Chuck" Curtis Bancroft Jr.

Charles Curtis Bancroft Jr., affectionately known as Chuck, passed away at the age of 71 in Grand Prairie, Texas. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, on November 19, 1954, Chuck was the eldest son of Charles Curtis Bancroft Sr. and Lena Mae Richardson Bancroft.

He grew up in a hardworking, close-knit family that moved from their Southern roots in Arkansas and Mississippi to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He attended Grand Prairie schools and graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1972.

From a young age, Chuck was immersed in the family’s entrepreneurial spirit and community life. He played youth baseball in Grand Prairie leagues, often under the coaching of his father — a legendary figure in local baseball who founded the Grand Prairie Umpires Association. Chuck carried that passion forward, later coaching his own children as well as other youth teams.

In his early years, in addition to being a promising ballplayer, his talent as a dancer earned him a trip to California to tap-dance on national television. A strong and enthusiastic dance partner, he never missed an opportunity to scorch the dance floor.

At age 17, armed with a 93-mph fastball, Chuck signed with the Kansas City Royals and later played for the Seguin Toros. After his playing days, he remained close to the Royals organization and proudly served as an associate scout. While he loved the Royals, no team was closer to his heart than the Texas Rangers. A family tradition that began with his father and brothers, the Bancrofts have held season tickets since the 1980s. His father instilled such deep loyalty that a Bancroft has been present at every home Rangers game for more than 40 years.

Chuck was also a gifted guitar player whose voice gave him the confidence to perform anywhere. In the 1970s, his love of music led him to DJ at the famous J Rags in Dallas. Until his stroke at the age of 69, he could often be found in the spotlight with a microphone in his hand. He was a true entertainer.

Chuck dedicated much of his life to the family business, Bancroft & Sons Transportation, which his parents, Charles and Lena, founded in 1969. He served in leadership roles alongside his brothers and sisters-in-law. The company remains family-operated today, which now proudly includes the next generation.

In addition to his loving parents, Charles and Lena Bancroft, Chuck is preceded in death by his brothers Michael James and Howard Joe, his eldest son Charles Bancroft III, his nephew Austin, his uncles E.J., Tommy, and Billy Joe, and his aunts Josephine, Betty, and Lottie.

He is survived by his children: Amber (Jon-Robert), Cody (Mercedes), Dustin, Megan (Brayden), Madison (Jordan), and Makenzie (Adam); his cherished grandchildren Lindsey, Tripp, Rush, Joel, Emma, Cash, Dayton, Hunter, Brooks, Blakely, Kip, and Lena; and his brothers and sisters-in-law Billy & Vi, John David & Kim, and Tamie.

He was a proud father and grandfather and took great joy in being part of a large, multigenerational family that includes dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Whether on the baseball diamond, in the family business, or among his wide circle of friends, Chuck will be remembered for his creativity, fearlessness, versatility, talent, deep devotion to family, and his willingness — at any moment — to stir up a little mischief.

His life was a true embodiment of the American story: hard work, opportunity, and giving back to the community that helped shape him.

Chuck was deeply cherished and will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home Beltline Road, 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, US, on July 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Graveside service will take place at Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens, 3001 S Belt Line Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, US, on July 10, 2026, at 1:30 pm .