Chris Hancock, 55, of Batesville, passed away on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019.
He was born on Oct. 29, 1964, in Hot Springs, Ark. to Patrick Homer Hancock and Ruby Dean (Bryant) Hancock.
Chris was a beloved son, a dedicated husband, a loving and proud dad and Poppy, with a larger than life personality. He never met a stranger and was always giving to others. He loved to laugh and fellowship with family and friends. He especially enjoyed family time at home, and being “Big Daddy on the Grill”. He was well known for his love of Christmas, his favorite time of the year.
He started preaching the gospel at age 16 and has dedicated the last 39 years to the work of God’s Kingdom. He was a licensed minister with the United Pentecostal Church International. He served as pastor of New Life Church in Ash Flat, Ark. for the last six years, and had a fiery passion for serving the church and the community.
Survivors include his parents; his loving wife, Lesa Gail (Treadway) Hancock; two sons, Nathanael Hancock (Tiffany) of Jonesboro and Drew Hancock (Savannah) of Jonesboro; four grandchildren, Chloe, Claire, Kinsley, and Levi; a sister, Angela (Hancock) Castleberry of Batesville; and a host of other family and friends who love him.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Marvin and Lois Hancock, and his maternal grandparents, Freeman and Nellie Bryant.
Pallbearers will be Charlie Treadway, Travis Treadway, Adam Watson, Wesley Wren Jr., Mike Loy, and Gary Brock. Honorary pallbearers will be Adrian Parmley, Chris Proulx, Darrell McKinnon, and Sheriff Mark Counts.
Funeral Services will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at First Church of Batesville, under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, with Rev. James Lumpkin, Rev. M.D. Parmley, and Rev. Tim Gaddy officiating. A private burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at the church.
Memorials may be made in his honor to the New Life Church Building Fund, 59 Sharp St., Ash Flat, AR 72513.
