Kelly Wray Hancock

Kelly Wray Hancock was born on Friday, November 11, 1949, to the late Reva & Leroy Hancock. He departed this life at the age of 74 on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Roanoke, VA.

Kelly was raised in Rocky Mount. He graduated from Franklin County High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army. His tour of duty took him to several locations, but it was while in Germany he met his wife, whom he affectionally called "Julie". He retired from the Army in 1991, making his tenure of service over 22 years.

Kelly was a smart, ambitious, hardworking, entrepreneur who wanted to create a legacy and set an example for the young black community, that with hard work and determination, you didn't have to live in poverty. Among the many jobs he held, working for IKEA and Abbott Bus Lines gave him rewarding memories.

Among the many awards Kelly received while in the army, the one that meant the most to him was "The Expert Field Medical Badge". This was because it was so difficult to receive. The ratio was like 1 in 50,000. Three percent of the Army's medical community, wearing this badge, is widely considered a crowning achievement to Soldiers within this career field.

One of the things that kept Kelly going, especially through difficult, discouraging and disappointing times, was a message told to him by his father which stuck with him all his life. "When you do the right things for the right reasons, you get the right results" This motto was very important to Kelly who shared it with his wife, and we share it with you today.

In addition to his parents, Kelly was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Jerry, Lee (Kilroy) and his twin brother Kenneth. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Julie, his sister Rita (Lewis) Muse, nieces, nephews, A special devoted couple and friend, Betty & Cody Muse and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at Jerusalem Way of the Cross Church, 12:00 Noon Thursday, December 21, 2023 with Bishop Cleive Adams officiating. Interment will follow in Byrdview Cemetery. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.