Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park
Donald Wayne Hancock, 89, of Candler, NC passed away peacefully on May 14, 2024. Donald was born on January 7, 1935 in Durham, NC to the late Rev. John W. Hancock and Lillie Mae Rigsbee Hancock.
Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nona Sutton Hancock. He passed on what would be their 70th wedding anniversary. Nona was from West Virginia and on a family vacation to North Carolina, they stopped at Hancock's General Store in Durham, NC. Don was working that day and saw Nona when they pulled up. He went out, pumped their gas, and never looked back.
One could say that golf was Don's third child. Many events were planned around his golf games, but one thing that was not, was his children's sporting events. There was nothing that was a higher priority than being at his son, Jon or daughter, Kristy's games regardless of where the games were held. If one of their teammates needed a ride or place to stay, Don and Nona were there for them. They always had an open door and a welcoming smile for all of Jon and Kristy's friends and teammates.
Don loved family and he adored his grandchildren, Sydney, Francis, and Ruth they held a special place in his heart. Sydney has fond memories of his "homemade blueberry muffins" which she looked forward to in the morning when staying with her grandparents.
Don was an athlete to his core, up until recent months you could find him on his stationary bike making sure to get in his daily exercise. He was a Veteran of the US Army, he was proud of his country and it was an honor to serve.
Those left to cherish his memory are children; Jonathan (Jon) Hancock and his wife Katie of Cramerton, NC, daughter Kristen (Kristy) Hancock of Burlington, NC and three granddaughters; Sydney Hancock, Frances Burnside, and Ruth Burnside; his special nieces, Donna Fitch and Robin Steigmann.
Don was preceded in death by his two sisters; Jerry Hancock Nance and Bettye Hancock Fitch.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 in the afternoon, Sunday the 19th of May at Hominy Baptist Church and Cemetery, 135 Candler School Road, Candler, NC. Pastor Paul Raybon will offer words of comfort to family and friends.
In lieu of customary remembrances and in honor of Don, please consider a memorial contribution to;
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston County, P.O. Box 23, Gastonia, NC 28053, www.bgcgreatergaston.org.
Please view Donald's online memorial tribute at Carothers Funeral Home @ Gaston Memorial Park -www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com where memories and words of comfort and condolences may be shared electronically with the family.
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Asheville Citizen-Times
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