Funeral services for Robert “Bob” Leon Hancock, age 89, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Emerson Wiles and Chad Hancock officiating. Burial will follow in Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home.
Bob was born May 5, 1934, in Birmingham, AL to the late Elijah Mosley and Eva Estelle Whitlock Hancock. He grew up near Cullman, AL as a part of a large extended family. He enjoyed playing sports, lettering in basketball at Fairview High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for four years. He spent the majority of his professional career as a logistics engineer who worked on various programs for Army Air & Missile Defense. He dedicated many years to his profession and retired from the Patriot Project office in 2005. After retiring from his engineering career, Bob enjoyed working as a driver for our local car dealerships, where he formed meaningful friendships with his fellow drivers. Apart from his work, Bob enjoyed spending time outdoors and taking care of his home and yard. He was an avid fan of Auburn Football and loved watching games with his boys and grandchildren.
Bob was a member of Fayetteville First Baptist Church, and his faith family held a special place in his heart. He especially formed a close bond with the men in his Sunday School Class. He so enjoyed being an active part of his church and had such a generous heart. Known for his caring nature and wit, Bob always wore a smile on his face and had a contagious laughter that brightened the lives of those around him. His faith in Jesus Christ was evident in the way he lived his life and loved people.
Without a doubt, Bob’s greatest venture was starting his own family, who he cherished dearly. He was married to Linda for 53 happy years, building a home that abounded in love and grace. They raised four boys, pouring into them their very best. Bob was a family man and made it a priority spending quality time at home, nurturing the relationships that brought him immense joy and fulfillment. Bob’s grandkids were his special pride and joy. He loved watching them grow up and spread their wings. Mr. Hancock passed away March 1, 2024, at Donalson Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Steelman Hancock; daughter-in-law, Karen Hancock; sons, Eric (Sandy) Hancock, Chad (Stacy) Hancock, Bradley (Jennifer) Hancock; and grandchildren, Wesley, Samantha, Caleb, Hannah, Kate, Ben, Eli, Macy, Saylor, and Myles. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Scott Alan Hancock; brother, Norman Hancock; and his sister, Lyta Jean Beard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fayetteville First Baptist Church Youth Ministries, PO Box 623, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert Leon Hancock.
