Carl Hancock (January 24, 1940 - January 18, 2024)

In loving memory of
Carl Hancock
  • January 24, 1940
  • -
  • January 18, 2024

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Obituary

Carl Dowen Hancock, 83, of Apopka, Fl, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 18, 2024. He was born January 24, 1940 in Heber Springs, Arkansas. He spent his early childhood between Heber Springs and Newman, California.  His family settled in Newman where he spent the majority of his formative years, graduating Orestimba High School in 1958.  After high school, he started dating childhood friend Margaret Martin whom he married in August 1960. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last summer.   

 

After high school, he attended Fresno State, where he earned his Bachelor of Science then went on to Santa Clara to attain his Masters Degree in Economics. He entered into a very successful career with Western Electric, later transitioning into AT&T Federal Systems, which he retired from in December of 1989. During the course of his career, Carl worked in many areas of the country, where he and Margaret moved their family and established roots and friendships. Carl lived in California, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia before he and Margaret made their last move to Florida in 1994. 

 

Carl and Margaret both loved to travel and retirement allowed them to continue their exploration of our country and the world. They were able to visit 49 states, all but Alaska, and 35 countries on 5 continents. Carl even acquiesced to cruising in his later years and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Carl and Margaret were both only children but they were blessed to have established many strong relationships throughout their lives with friends that they considered family. These people enriched their lives providing both of them love, laughter and support.   

 

CARL HATED COLD AND SNOW.  Retiring in Florida was an intentional choice to avoid having to shovel snow ever again. He would, however, go back north to visit his grandchildren in the winter for holidays and birthdays.  Florida was also an intentional choice to support his love of golf. Carl loved to watch all sports. He especially loved to watch baseball and football.  The Yankees and the Oakland Raiders were his two favorite teams.  He was an accomplished tennis player in his youth, winning titles in high school. He was also a league bowler in the 1970’s and 80’s.  Carl’s passion, as he moved into his middle age and stayed with him, was golf.  Carl loved the game of golf. He took over as co-commissioner of a storied local golf tournament known S.H.A.F.T.S. (Slices, Hooks And Fancy Trap Shots) for well over a decade. One of his great joys was putting on this six day tournament. Friends came in from all over the country to participate.  Carl greatly enjoyed playing the game, he loved watching golf on tv, and he especially loved the camaraderie on the course and in the clubhouse at the 19th hole. 

 

He lived his life with a strong moral compass and a heart full of love for his family and friends. He was smart, funny, kind, compassionate, and determined with a great capacity to enjoy life. He especially loved his grandchildren. They brought him tremendous joy and he cherished the time he spent with them. Carl planned many special trips with his grandchildren that they will all remember throughout their lives.   

 

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Elizabeth, his daughter Victoria Lynn Fanning, her husband Brian Fanning, Veronica Layne Hancock, her partner, Brian Smith, his son Christopher Dowen Hancock, his fiancee Jayme Scott; his six grandchildren, who knew him as Papa,  Morgan Desko, Jack Fanning, Jordan Hancock, Tristan Mullen, Taylor Hancock and Faith Fanning; two great grandchildren, Scarlett Desko and Greyson Desko. All are devastated, but thankful that his suffering was brief.  Graveside services will be held for Carl in March in Newman, California.  Carl will be remembered with love, joy and reverence by all who knew him. 


Tribute Wall

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  1. Mary Eva Coelho says:
    17 Feb 2024
    Margaret & Family, we were so saddened to learn of Carl's passing. May wonderful memories of your long and happy married life now sustain you. I look forward to seeing you in March in Newman. God Bless.
    Friendship and sympathy and love,
    Mary Relvas Coelho

  2. Sandra Kirkwood says:
    26 Jan 2024
    Carl and my dad worked together at Western Electric in Indianapolis. He, Margaret, and family were often at our house for cookouts. Carl was fun and witty. You also knew his heart was a kind one.

  3. LY6U says:
    24 Jan 2024
    I met Carl at Jordan's graduation dinner. I was impressed by his warmth, intelligence, charm, wit, sense of humor, and kindness. I understand why he was so loved! A testament to a life well lived and a man well loved.

  4. LY6U lit a candle:
    24 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 24, 2024 at 1:55:53 PM

  5. Jayme Scott says:
    24 Jan 2024
    Condolences to all of you. So grateful to have met you. I know it was only a few times but I will cherish them. I always looked forward to our Sunday conversations . Thank you for raising a wonderful son and welcoming me into your family.

  6. Laurie Fanning lit a candle:
    24 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 24, 2024 at 1:13:28 PM

  7. Roger and Debbie Fanning lit a candle:
    24 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 24, 2024 at 1:31:51 AM

  8. Jeff McGuire says:
    23 Jan 2024
    So sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. It was an honor to have known he and Margaret for over 55 years. Prayers for the family in this difficult time.

  9. Jordan says:
    23 Jan 2024
    The greatest papa a grandkid could have

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