John W. Hancock, Sr.

John W. Hancock, Sr. age 73, passed away Monday, November 16, 2015 in Bartow. Born December 29, 1941 in Alapaha, GA, he was the son of the late Reuben Jackson and Clara Mattie Hancock. Mr. Hancock was a longtime Bartow resident. He retired from Metalcoat Inc. in Mulberry after many years of service as a welder. He was also a longtime member of Bethany Freewill Baptist Church in Eaton Park. John is survived by a loving family that includes his wife of 54 years, Mary "Diane" Hancock of Bartow, his three children: John W. Hancock, Jr. (Serena) of Bartow, Katina Lloyd (Ray) of Lakeland, Billy Joe Hancock of Bartow, his two grandchildren: Hunter Lloyd and Britany Hancock. He also leaves behind four brothers and a sister: Rev. Roy H. Hancock (Vivian) of Wauchula, Billy Hancock (Robbie) of Moultrie, GA, Bobby Hancock, Wayne Hancock, and Ann Wychoff (Rex) all of Wauchula. The family will receive friends Thursday, November 19th from 6pm to 8pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral services will follow Friday, November 20th at 11:00am at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 205 E. Stanford Street in Bartow.