Edward James Hancock

Reverend Edward James Hancock Sr., 79, died Wednesday January 11, 2012. Ed passed away peacefully at his home in North Charleston. Ed was born in February 13, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Sarasota FL. He joined the Navy in 1951 and served in the Korean War with the Sixth Fleet. Ed graduated from Vanderbilt University, class of 1959 and retired as a pharmaceutical plant manager. He served as a deacon at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in North Charleston.

He was one of two children of the late Harold and Hazel Hancock and was the beloved husband to Frances "Fran" Jordan Hancock for over 52 years. Ed will forever be remembered by his devoted brother Paul Hancock (Dorothy) of DeBary, FL, beloved children Edward Hancock Jr., and his wife Ana, of Florence SC; Melanie H. King of Charleston, treasured grandchildren Jordan, Ericka and Heyes King; Caroline, and Emily Hancock, Jorge, Maria, and Pamela Andonie; caring in-laws of the late John and Frances Jordan of Charleston, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him. Edward loved to volunteer his time in the National Park Service, and loved the great outdoors. He touched countless lives with his caring and gracious heart and started his outreach ministry in Florence, SC. He served on the board and taught bible study at the House of Hope Area Rescue Mission for men. Ed also was active in the establishing the House of Hope for women and children. This ministry led him to become an ordained Deacon in the Episcopal Church where he was currently serving at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in North Charleston.

One of Edward's greatest joys was sponsoring two Vietnamese co-workers and their families where they met on assignment in Saigon. He assisted them in moving to the U.S. and helped them start their careers in Covina, California and raise their six children to promising careers.

The Relatives and Friends of Deacon and Mrs. Ed Hancock are invited to attend the funeral services of the former Saturday January14, 2012 in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1150 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC at 2pm. Burial services will follow in Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Church Fellowship Hall Saturday from 1pm until time of service.

The family requests donations be sent to his beloved church and to the Hebron Grace Home P.O. Box 407 Santee, SC 29142.