Ernest Hancock Obituary

HANCOCK, Ernest

Ernest Hancock, 89, died on August 26, 206, at the Saluda Nursing Center. He was the owner and operator of Hancock Poultry, Inc., for over 50 years. The funeral will be at 11:00 on Tuesday at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at West Travis Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 at RAMEY FUNERAL HOME. Mr. Hancock was born near McBee, South Carolina, on May 6, 1917. He was the son of the late Newbie Winfield Hancock and the late Laura Ann Morgan. Surviving are his wife, Geneva Horne Hancock; his son Don Hancock of Saluda; two daughters, Charlyn Hancock Staubes of Saluda and Ann Hancock Coker (Richard) of Greenwood; four grandchildren, Keller Staubes (Nicole) of James Island, SC; Katie Staubes, of St. Petersburg, FL; and Justin Coker and Tyler Coker of Greenwood. Survivors also include his brother, N.W. Hancock, Jr., of Lexington; and sisters, Rosetta Leaphart of Gilbert and Mary Ann Hall of Columbia. He is also survived by his stepson, Donald Horne of Saluda and five step-grandchildren, Sheree Bowick of McCormick, Hardee Horne, Toby Horne, Darren Horne, and Devin Horne all of Saluda. He was a member of the American Legion Post 65 and was an active member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Hancock served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater. He saw combat action in several campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Central Europe, and Germany. His personal decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. He was wounded in France in July, 1944 and was captured by Nazi forces in December, 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge. He was predeceased by Helen Price Hancock, his wife of 50 years, and his step-son Bernard Horne. The family extends their thanks to the staff of the Riley Unit of Saluda Nursing Center and to Dr. Bil Sawyer of their compassionate care. Memorials may be sent to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 106 N. Calhoun Street, or to the Saluda Nursing Center, 581 Newberry Highway, Saluda. The family is at the home of the daughter, Charlyn Hancock Staubes in Saluda. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.