Joseph Phillip Hancock

Joseph Phillip Hancock passed away on Wednesday, August 20th.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hugh Allen Hancock; his mother, Annie Kate Hancock; and his brother, David Allen Hancock. He is survived by his loving wife, Gretchen; his son, Dr. Michael Hancock; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Mary Grace Hancock; and his grandchildren, Margaret and Phillip.

Phil was a devoted husband, father, and community leader. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in both the city and in Snellville. He graduated from North Georgia Military Academy and went on to serve the State of Georgia at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation before pursuing a career in law. Over the years, he worked as a prosecutor, a defense attorney, and ultimately as a judge for the City of Pine Lake, earning respect for his fairness, dedication, and integrity. In both his profession and his personal life, Phil navigated by a steady compass of truth and justice. His decisions were marked not only by wisdom but by kindness, and those who stood before him-whether in the courtroom or in life-left knowing they had been heard.

In 1975, he married his beloved Gretchen, whom he met while working at the GBI. Their marriage of fifty years was marked by love, joy, and an unwavering dedication to each other. Together, they raised their son, Michael, who is the embodiment of so many of Phil's qualities-from his endearing stubbornness (a trait well-known to all who loved him) to his unwavering dedication to family and his deep desire to live with honesty and integrity. Among the greatest joys of his life were the births of his grandchildren, Margaret and Philip, who brought him immeasurable happiness and pride. In his last days, one of his final requests was to have pictures of Margaret and Philip saved on his phone so he could see them often and hold them close to his heart."

Phil's life reflected a deep commitment to service. His leadership with Boy Scouts Troop 70 in Stone Mountain shaped generations of young men, where he guided scouts in learning not just skills for self-sufficiency, but the deeper values of service, citizenship, and responsibility. He was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award, but his truest reward was watching scouts grow into leaders who carried those lessons forward.

Within his community and his church, Saint Timothy United Methodist, Phil lived out his faith through service and leadership. Yet what stood out most was not just what he did, but how he lived. He radiated an attitude of contentment and gratitude, even in moments of weakness or pain. When asked how he was doing, he would often respond, "All in all, I can't complain." His spirit of strength, kindness, and quiet perseverance inspired those around him to live with the same intentionality. His words were thoughtful, his actions purposeful, and his presence reassuring.

Though he will be deeply missed, Phil's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched. His spirit remains a guiding presence in the lives of those who loved him.

At his and Gretchen's 50th wedding anniversary this past May, as they renewed their vows surrounded by family, the song Unforgettable by Nat King Cole filled the room. It is hard to imagine a more fitting reflection of the life Phil lived and the love he gave. For to those who knew him, he truly was-and always will be-unforgettable.

The funeral service to celebrate and honor the life of Joseph Phillip Hancock will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, Snellville, GA. Burial will follow at Snellville Historical Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.