Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Barney P. Hancock

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Barney P. Hancock, age 87, of Thomaston, died Friday, February 21, 2025, at his residence. Graveside funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 25, at 11:00 AM, at South View Cemetery with Rev. John Halley officiating. The family will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Monday evening, February 24, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Barney Paul Hancock was born in Upson County, Georgia, on March 26, 1937, to the late Paul and Frances Holliman Hancock. He was a 1955 graduate of R. E. Lee Institute. Upon graduation from the University of Georgia in 1959, he was commissioned into the United States Army where he served as an infantry officer with an aviation specialty until his retirement in 1979 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military and civilian educational achievements included graduation from the U. S. Army Infantry Basic and Advanced Officers courses, the Army Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing and Instruments School, the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a Master of Education degree from Troy University in 1974. His tenacious service record earned him designation as a Master Army Aviator qualified in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Colonel Hancock served two one-year tours in Vietnam where he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and a Bronze Star Medal for acts of heroism and distinguished service in combat, along with fourteen Air Medals including one with a "V" device for valor. In addition, during his career, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Army Commendation Medal, and many others.

After retiring from military service, he entered the insurance business in the Atlanta area until his retirement to his hometown of Thomaston. His years in Thomaston were marked by dedication to volunteer service on the Upson Regional Medical Center Board of Directors and associated boards, the Upson County Hospital Authority, and as the Chairman of the Upson Regional Health Foundation.  He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Thomaston.

In addition to his parents, Colonel Hancock was preceded in death by a son, Michael Paul Hancock, and a brother, Ronald Hancock. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte M. Hancock of Thomaston; a daughter, Juliana (Michael) Schumacher of Athens, GA; two sons, Marcus C. (Cheryl) Schumacher of Richmond Hill, GA, and Paul D. "Ric" (Lisa) Schumacher, III of Livermore, CA; a brother, Barry Hancock of Thomaston; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Two nieces and a nephew also survive.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to First Methodist Church of Thomaston, PO Box 707, Thomaston, GA 30286, or to URMC Foundation, ATTN: John Williams. 801 W. Gordon Street, Thomaston, GA  30286.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.