Eric Stanley Hancock

Eric Stanley Hancock, 68, transitioned to live in the arms of Jesus on January 21, 2025, at
the Center for Hospice-Ernestine M. Raclin House. He was born November 13, 1956, in
Kansas City, Kansas to Herbert and Mary Strong. He was preceded in death by both
parents.
Eric accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age and was
baptized and saved at St. Matthew AME Zion Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He
completed his education in the Kansas City, Missouri School District and was extremely
fond of his times and classmates at Paseo High School, from which he graduated in
1975. He completed his secondary education at Southern University in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, with a brief stop at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, graduating
with a Bachelor’s degree in Business.
Eric married the love of his life, Betty, in July of 1982. They met at Southern University,
and have been inseparable since, often noting that “whatever they did, they did
together”. Eric and Betty were blessed with four children: Erica, Anyaliese, Jeramy, and
Kerry. Eric also has another son, Marlon. Eric loved his children, often commenting on
how he wished they could all live together in the same home forever.
Eric was an extremely successful sales manager for several companies, including ATT
and IBM. He worked for Pitney Bowes and Konica Minolta for more than 15 years
combined. During his time in sales, he mentored and shepherded many people, leading
them to success and joy in their careers, and in their lives.
Eric was also an avid golfer, described as “a golf master” at age 18. He started off as a
caddy for his dad, and he loved everything about golf! He attended Southern University
on a golf scholarship and made lifetime friends while engaging in the sport. He played in
and won numerous golf tournaments. Eric also loved music and would often play the
same song over and over, much to the chagrin of others in the car or room with him.
Eric had an amazing sense of humor and would often have people rolling in laughter. He
rarely met a stranger and could draw people in with his loving heart and quick wit. He
would often joke with friends and family saying when he passed, he would like for us to
all say, “He Gone, He Gone!”
Eric leaves to cherish his life and memories: loving and dedicated wife, Betty; son
Marlon, daughters Erica (Gabriel)Tait, Anyaliese (Michelle) Hancock-Smith, sons Jeramy
(Tara) Hancock, and Kerry (Victoria) Hancock; grandchildren Gabrielle “Ella”, Madison,
and Caii; two brothers William (Joyce) “Gerald” Hancock, and Tyrone (Gail)Strong; and a
host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and those who make up his “extended” family.

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