Elbert Laneau Hancock

Hartsville – Elbert Laneau Hancock, 88, husband of Carolyn Huggins Hancock for 68 years, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Morrell’s Rehab Center. Born June 19, 1936, in Lee County, he was the son of Waddy Laneau Hancock and Mary Maxcy Hancock.

 Elbert was a retired educator with Darlington County Schools. During his 27 years with the school system, he was also the Bus Superintendent, in which he managed the fleet of school buses for Hartsville and the student bus drivers. He graduated from Ashwood Central High School in 1953. Upon graduating from high school, Elbert attended Mitchell Junior College from 1953-1955 where he earned a General Diploma. He then attended the University of South Carolina from 1955-1957 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education. From 1972-1974, he attended the University of Georgia and earned a Master of Education.

 At the age of three, Elbert was struck by the polio virus that left him severely crippled. However, he did not let this slow him down. He raced cars, coached basketball, enjoyed fishing and was a NASCAR enthusiast and collector of memorabilia.

 Along with his wife, he is survived by three children, Arlene Ham (Barry) of Manning, Reggie Hancock (Carol Bedenbaugh) of Hartsville and Robin Pollard (Rox, Jr.) of Columbia. He is also survived by two grandsons, Blake Hancock (Anna) and Rox Pollard, III. He is survived by his brother John Ashley Hancock (Myrtle) of Darlington.

 He was preceded in death by a grandson, Lane Ham; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Hancock; a sister Mary Elizabeth Hancock.

 A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 in the Chapel of Norton Funeral Home in Hartsville. A visitation will be held immediately following the service.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

 Norton Funeral Home and Crematory, 1414 W. Carolina Avenue, Hartsville, is in charge of arrangements, (843) 332-8122.