Tempe, Arizona - George Reuel Hancock was born, June 3, 1941, to Reuel Hancock and Emma Sidona Halverson-Hancock in Santa Ana, California. He died November 8, 2020 in Tempe, Arizona, from complications due to old age and pulmonary disease. He is survived by his wife Janeil Ririe-Hancock, his sons John Collings Hancock (Mitzi), Sherman Scott Hancock (Stacey), and his daughter Lisa Ann Hancock-Hunt (John). He and his lovely wife are currently blessed with eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Fatherhood, family connections, hard work, and generosity are pillars of George's life. When George was a boy, the family lived with his grandparents, Oscar Leland Hancock and Nanny Brewer-Hancock. At age 7, George's father died, with his grandfather subsequently dying a few months later. George was suddenly fatherless. Despite his losses, and without the benefits of life lessons taught by a father figure of his own, George supported his mother to the end of her life and, was ever a loyal husband and committed, dependable father.

Being a part of a family was extremely important to George. He wanted to love and be loved in a family. When George and Janeil moved to Arizona from Southern California in the late 1960's, he was able to kindle close relationships with half-siblings, Vernon Hancock (Nancy), Patricia Hancock-Gardner, and Maxine Hancock-Brutinel (Bob). These relationships were invaluable to George and helped bring him closer to his father and grandfather.

Physical labor was something George Hancock was born to do. No one could work as hard or as long as he could. A typical workday consisted of mowing lawns from 6 am to 2 pm, cleaning offices from 6 pm to 9 pm, with a short nap in between. One hundred five to one hundred ten degree days were nothing to him. Often employees would find alternative employment simply because they could not keep up. His example and work ethic inspires his children to work hard to support their families today.

To those who know George Hancock, it goes without saying that he was extremely generous with his wife, his children and his friends. He never hoarded the family money. He never bought himself toys for enjoyment. He sacrificed financially so that his children and grandchildren could be educated and serve in church missionary service. He was always giving away tools and equipment to his boys. George was always considered the freebie king. If something needed to be done, especially with a lawn or a garden, George would often charge insufficiently or not at all.

George was not born with many advantages. But it can be said that George Reuel Hancock made a beautiful life, all on his own. He leaves a legacy that removes excuses we often have for not trying. If a fatherless, penniless little boy was able to do it, then what is our excuse? His wife thanks him for all that he has done. His children love him for all that he is.