Melvin J. Hancock, Sr., 86, Tampa, Florida, passed away on August 12, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. Mel is preceded in death by his beloved spouse Shirley Halbrook Hancock, his parents George and Josephine Maze Hancock, and his sisters Doris Hancock Polk and Magdalene Hancock Howell.
He is survived by his three children, Melvin J. Hancock, Jr. (Kathi), Sandra Hancock-Phillips (Jerry), and Darrell Alan Hancock, grandchildren Ashley, Lindsey, Alyssa, Sarah, Zack, Faith and Brianna, three great-grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.
Born in Tampa, Florida, on April 26, 1935 he overcame a challenging orphanage childhood. He married Shirley Halbrook on June 12, 1954 and began his career in the carpet and flooring business. First working for Maas Brothers Department Stores as an installer at the age of 17 he soon formed his own company Hancock’s Carpet Service in 1955 selling and installing residential and commercial carpet. His company grew and prospered expanding commercial sales throughout central Florida. He retired from the business after 37 years and having obtained his pastoral degree. Mel then began serving at several local churches. He and Shirley traveled on mission trips to the Philippines and Belize building churches in impoverished areas.
He gave to those in need be it food, clothing, or financial support. He treated friends and employees like family providing financial and tuition help whenever and wherever needed. He was a good friend and mentor to many over his lifetime. He was an avid sportsmen, enjoying fishing, hunting, and golfing and as a weekend golfer accomplished 3 holes in one!
A visitation will take place at 12pm followed by a Celebration of Life to be held at 1:00 p.m. on September 25, 2021 at Blount & Curry Carrollwood Funeral Home, 3207 West Bearss Ave, Tampa FL 33618 with Timothy Richard Reno, officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are by Blount & Curry Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given to missions at The Assemblies of God Giving Organization at giving.ag.org.
The family of Melvin J. Hancock, Sr. wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Tampa Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Carol Racster and Connie Miller – his loving and devoted caregivers for many years.
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