William T. Hancock

William T. ƒ?oJimƒ?? Hancock, son of Ernest Hancock & Ora (Burlison) Hancock, was born December 1, 1920 in Lick Creek, Illinois. He departed this life Wednesday evening, March 16, 2005 at 5:50 PM at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, Illinois. At the time of his passing, Jim had attained the age of 84 years, 3 months & 15 days. Jim was united in marriage to Genevieve (Perry). He preceded her in death. He was later united in marriage to Gwendolyn (nee Tanner) Reid on March 9, 1984 at Jonesboro, AR. She survives. Other survivors include: 3 Sons ƒ?" Victor Hancock, and his wife Sandi, of Goreville, IL, Philip Jones, and his wife Kay of Goreville, IL, Douglas Reid, and his wife Linda of Buncombe, IL; 2 Daughters ƒ?" Melba Cates, and her husband Joe, of Chattanooga, TN, & Ruth Craig, and her husband Greg, of Vienna, IL; 13 Grandchildren ƒ?" Ashley Jordan, Keesha Schuetz, Lacy Ladner, Bethany Jones, Daniel Cates, Andrew Cates, Jesse Cates, Elizabeth Johnson, Brandon Reid, Thomas Reid, Travis Williams, Justin Williams & Jill Williams; 8 Great Grandchildren; 1 Brother & Sister-in-Law ƒ?" John & Marie Hancock of Kankakee, IL; Nieces & Nephews. In addition to his parents & first wife, Genevieve, Jim was preceded in death by: 1 Brother ƒ?" Jack Hancock & 1 Sister ƒ?" Pansy Hancock Moore. Jim was a graduate of the Goreville High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served as a machine gunner in the European theatre during World War II. He was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant. Jim was a farmer. He had also been employed for seventeen years by the Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring in 1986. Jim was a lifelong member & deacon of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. He enjoyed singing & also taught Sunday School. He was a trustee of Cedar Grove Cemetery for many years. Jim enjoyed farming, gardening, the outdoors, & taking care of his animals. He loved people & always welcomed company. Jim leaves his family & many dear friends to cherish his memory. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 11 AM at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, IL. Rev. Mike Hood will officiate. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery near Buncombe, IL. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post #5222 of Vienna. Visitation will be after 5 PM Friday evening, March 18, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Grove Cemetery, c/o Doug Reid, 6920 Buncombe Road, Buncombe, IL 62912 or to the Cedar Grove Baptist Church, c/o Lucille Marks, 175 Railroad Street, Buncombe, IL 62912.

William T. Hancock

December 1, 1920 - March 16, 2005