Thomas Dewitt Hancock, 88, of Smithdale, MS passed away June 24, 2025 at his residence.

A visitation will be held Monday, June 30, 2025 at Ebenezer Methodist Church from 3 PM until services at 4 PM. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Hartman Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tom was born on August 11, 1936 to the late Julius and Melba Lee Nettles Hancock.

Tom spent much of his life working for the railroad, a job he truly enjoyed. In his younger years, he loved fishing, playing golf, and proudly served with the local men's club, helping with community projects and assisting families in need. Later in life, he found joy working in the yard and flower beds alongside his wife.

He was known for handing out candy to the kids at church and giving out little penny crosses to help share the word of God with others. He also had a gift for woodworking—each year, he built Christmas decorations and nativity scenes that were displayed by the roadside, creating a tradition the entire community looked forward to.

In his later years, Tom enjoyed watching baseball, always cheering on his MSU Bulldogs and the Boston Red Sox.

He loved his family deeply and would do anything in the world for them. His life was one of quiet strength, faith, and unconditional love. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one son Thomas Keith Hancock; and three brothers Carl XL (Sarah) Hancock, James Hancock, and Alex Ray (Treva) Hancock.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years JoNita Taylor Hancock; one son Kenneth (Laura) Hancock; Daughter In-law Elizabeth Hancock; one daughter Debbie Wells; grandchildren Taylor (Rachel) Wells, Rusty (Hannah) Wells, and Blake (Nikki) Hancock, Sarah Beth (Sawyer) Reid; great grandchildren Carli Jo Wells, Lola and Barrett Keaton Hancock.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Wells, Rusty Wells, Turner Dyess, Clay Dyess, Dale Hancock, and John Schamburger. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tim Dillon, Phillip Dillon, Luke Brewer, Harold Leonard, Wes Arnold, Jacob Jordan, and David Berryhill.