Donald Benjamin Hocking

Donald “Don” Benjamin Hocking passed away on December 25, 2025. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of his family, his team, and the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched so deeply.

Born in New York and the second youngest of six siblings, he endured many hardships in his early years. Those challenges shaped him into a man of deep compassion, remarkable resilience, and unwavering devotion as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He proudly served four years in the U.S. Army, a journey that brought him to Fort Benning and laid the foundation for the values and discipline that guided him throughout his life. It was here that he met the love of his life, Janet, of 44 years. Together they built a life filled with love and opportunity, and he later became a devoted father to his daughters, Holly Ann and Elizabeth Nicole. After working for Snyder & Company for many years, he and his friend Mike opened Ad-Hoc Awnings and Canvas in 1988, starting from humble beginnings and working tirelessly to build a legacy that has thrived for the past 38 years.

Whether he was Paw-Paw, Dad, Buddy, Uncle Don, or just Don, it is the man with the big heart behind those names whom we will always remember. He was a kind hearted and giving person, and if you were lucky enough to be part of his circle, that meant something.

Don is preceded in death by his father Robert, his mother Jeanette, a daughter Holly Ann and a brother Robert. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Janet; daughter Elizabeth (Ryan) Hays; three grandchildren, Treavor and Ava Hays, and Hayden Hocking; siblings include Timothy (Linda, deceased) Hocking, Cheryl (Pete, deceased) Jansen, Jeanette (Jimmy, deceased) Speenburgh, Lawrence (Marcy) Hocking, and Terrance Hocking. In addition to his immediate family, Don is survived by his sisters-in-law's Debra Baumgartner and Linda Gibson, several nieces and nephews, and many beloved extended family members.

The testament to his good character and commitment to his life is reflected in the many friends and family he leaves behind, and in their unwavering dedication to honoring his memory and carrying forward his legacy. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all who continue to support and uplift his family; your love is a true reflection of the remarkable man he was.

There will be a service at McMullen Funeral home on Gentian January 2, 2026 at 2:00 pm, and a celebration of life at Echo Event Center on 6018 Business Park Drive, suite B, Columbus, Ga. at 3:30 for food and fellowship. We hope that you can join us to celebrate the life of a man whose kindness and spirit touched everyone that he met.