Roy Elton Hancock

Roy Elton Hancock Sr., 88, of Goose Creek passed away August 1, 2026, in his favorite chair at his Goose Creek home.

Roy was born May 18, 1938 in Arapahoe, NC, the second of four children born to the late Joseph "Joe" Irey Hancock and Mattie Price Hancock. He was raised in the Goose Creek community, and though his work would carry him up and down the East Coast over the years, Goose Creek was the only place he ever called home.

Roy spent nearly his whole life on the water. As a boy, his commercial fishing career started on a wooden boat his father built, and the water never let go of him. His working years were spent between two callings, a long career on dredges that took him from Florida up the coast to Delaware, and trawling, net setting, and crab potting the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound for shrimp, fish, and crabs. He passed that love of the water down to his children and grandchildren, and some of the family's fondest memories were made alongside him.

On September 14, 1957, Roy married Patricia "Patsy" Anne Hewitt, the only woman he ever loved. He was quick to tell anyone that she was “the best”, and that she seemingly knew his thoughts before he ever said them out loud. In his later working years, Patsy often traveled with him to the places his work took him. They were married 62 years when she passed away in 2019, and he missed her every day since. It is a comfort to his family to know they are together again at long last.

Roy witnessed a world of change in his lifetime, all from the same stretch of land where he grew up. He remembered when the homes in Goose Creek were lit by fire and candlelight, and meals were cooked on wood-burning stoves. He watched as electricity, and all the modern conveniences that came with it, made their way into those same homes. In time, he saw his children raise children of their own, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren go off to college, something he could scarcely have imagined as a young man working the water. Yet the memories he cherished most were the simple ones. Even in his final years, he loved to reminisce about the evenings when his father, brothers, and neighbors would gather on the front porch to play music and sing while the community came together around them. The “good ‘ol days”, as he called them.

Roy was a man of deep and abiding faith, and his trust in God carried him through both the joys and the sorrows of a long life.

Above all, Roy loved his family unconditionally. Nothing brightened his face like a visit from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they will carry his love, his stories, and his love of the water with them always.

In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patsy Hewitt Hancock; his son, Roy Elton Hancock Jr.; his brothers, Bobby Hancock and Joe Hancock Jr.; his sister, Janice Hancock Garver; his son-in-law, Wayne Banks; his daughter-in-law, Judy Hancock; and his great-granddaughter, Auburn Banks.

Those who survive to treasure his memory include his daughters, Julie Banks of Goose Creek, NC and Cathy Davis and husband, Jeff of Alliance, NC; his grandsons, Doug Banks and wife, Amanda of Bridgeton, NC, David Banks and wife, Ashley of Fairfield Harbor, NC, Josh Ward and wife, Nicole of Charlotte, NC, Todd Davis of Charlotte, NC, Jimmy Veith, Joey Veith, and Justin Veith; his great-grandchildren, Austin Banks, Katherine Banks, Riley Banks, Dalton Banks, Karley Veith, and Ryan Veith; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Pruitt Hospice and Palliative Care of New Bern, whose kindness and care lightened the family's load and made it possible for Roy to spend his final days at home, just as he wished.

In keeping with Roy's wishes, no public service will be held. A private graveside service for the family will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The family is grateful for the love and kindness of their friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes you will honor Roy's memory by spending a little time on the water, as he did nearly all his life, or by giving to your local hospice in his name.