William Joseph Hancock, M.D.  F.A.C.P

A loving father, grandfather, doctor, and friend died on July 28, 2014 at The Winchester Medical Center surrounded by his family.  He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Ireland Hancock and parents William G. Hancock and Ila May Hancock; his sisters Florence, Ruth, and Lois; and his brothers Colin, Marion, and Earl.

William was born in North Carolina on May 20, 1928.  He graduated from Elon College in 1949 and enlisted in the Army.  During the Korean war he was stationed in Germany as an  Army Ranger and member of the 2^nd Armored Division Medical Corp. After serving in the Korean war he continued his education at The University of Virginia Medical School.  Upon graduating from Medical School William continued his internship and residency at UVa. Dr. Hancock became board certified in Internal Medicine and specialized in infectious disease. He remained an attending Physician for the outpatient department of Internal Medicine at The University of Virginia.

In 1962 Dr. William Hancock joined the Internal Medicine medical practice of McKee, Hortenstein, and McCubbin at 110 Lee Street in Winchester.  While in practice he helped grow the medical group and expand its facilities.

In the early 1960’s Dr. Hancock became the driving force behind the formation of the Intensive Care and Coronary Car Units at The Winchester Memorial Hospital.  Along with fellow nurse practitioner Nancy Crim, Dr. Hancock’s vision was realized as these units opened.

Dr. Hancock was the Chief of Medicine at Winchester Memorial Hospital from 1966 to 1967. Nominated by his colleague Dr. Ashley Futrell, Dr. Hancock received the Laureate Award for outstanding Physicians in Virginia in 1996. The Laureate Award is presented to distinguished physicians who have served their community and have upheld the high ideals and professional standards for which the American College of Physicians is known.

As Winchester Memorial Hospital grew Dr. Hancock’s medical group became one of the first to find a home in the newly built Winchester Medical Center.  Dr. Hancock continued practicing medicine until he retired in 1998.

William Hancock was a member of the Winchester Masonic Lodge #21, The Winchester Rotary Club, Issac Walton League, The Winchester Shrine Club, and The Winchester Country Club.

He is survived by his children Bill Hancock of Harrisonburg, Corby Hancock Pine of Baltimore, and Kym Hancock Hedrick of Roanoke.  Grandchildren Kendall, Kaitie, and Will Hancock, Jonny and Lauren Pine, Bruce and Michelle Hedrick.  His brother’s wives’ Christine Hancock and Ann Hancock. His last years were spent in his home with his care givers Brenda Kerns, Renee Nelson , Donna Waugh and Tracy Hromada.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dr. Hancock’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org

Services will be held Wednesday July 30 at The First Presbyterian Church in Winchester with Reverend Dr. Richard Reifsnider officiating.