CLEEDIS R. HANCOCK

CLEEDIS R. HAN-

COCK passed away

peacefully in his home

on Nov. 11, 2024 at the

age of 94. He was born on

Aug. 30, 1930, in Cull-

man County, Ala., and he

married the love of his life,

Joan Johnson, on Nov. 27,

1953. They were happily

married for 70 years and

raised 3 sons together that

he was exceedingly proud of. He was affectionate- ly known as Poppy by his 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, honor, and commitment.

He was buried with Christ in baptism for the forgiveness of his sins and lived a devoted life in service to the Lord. He was a faithful member of the Selfville Church of Christ, which he helped start in his home in 1979.

Cleedis loved America, and he served his coun- try honorably as a Private First Class in the Sev- enth Infantry Division of the United States Army during the Korean War and in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged in May 1957. He fought bravely and maintained his poise while taking enemy fire to the ammunition truck he drove to the frontlines. His military service stayed with him the rest of his life, and his relationships he made in the Army were life-long friendships.

He worked for Vulcan Rivet and Bolt in Tar- rant, Aa for 28 years. After retiring in 1993, he was able to devote more time to his hobbies, like camp- ing and playing Rook and Rummy with family and friends. He and Joan played 235 games of Rummy this calendar year.

Cleedis had a quiet strength about him and was an exceptionally meek and humble man. He was always ready with a song or a rhyme that he usually wrote on the spot. He was an avid collector of things, and he took a special interest in Case Pocket Knives. He spent many happy times attend- ing Locust Fork sporting events of his grandchil- dren and vacationing in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. He was a big Alabama fan, and he loved cheering on the Crimson Tide.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Avery and Kathryn Hancock; siblings Bill, Mahlon, and Reedis Hancock. He is survived by his loving wife

Joan; children Scott (Brenda), Jeff (Terra), Franke (Debbie); grandchildren Mandy Hancock, Melissa Hancock, Laura (Seth) Hayes, Taylor (Stephanie) Hancock, Jessie Hancock, Kathryn (Bryant) Mar- quis, Jonathan (Emma) Hancock, Shelby Hancock, Jake (Kayla) Hancock; great-grandchildren Ava Hancock, Heston, Elizabeth, Olivia, and Henry Hayes, and Emma and Abigail Marquis; sister Pat (Ricky) Honeycutt.

In Revelation 2:10, Jesus says, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” The family is so thankful that Poppy was a faithful Christian until the very end, and we rejoice in his eternal life with the Lord.

The family received friends on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at Lemley Funeral Home from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Mr. Hancock lay in state on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Lemley Funeral Home from noon until 1 p.m. A funeral service was held in the Chapel be- ginning at 1 p.m. with Sam White presiding. Burial followed in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Lemley Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.