Bluefield, WV - Alphonso "Al" Hancock, 87, of Bluefield, WV, formerly of Elkhorn, WV, was called home to rest on July 26, 2025.

He was born on September 5, 1937, to the union of Ruby Hancock and Minnie Saunders Hancock. Al, as he was affectionately known, was the oldest of four children, raised in the small village of Upland Hollow, and educated in the then-segregated McDowell County Public School System where he graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1955.

Al was a highly decorated veteran. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956, honorably served for more than 23 years, including two tours to Vietnam, and stations all over the world, before retiring in 1979. Afterwards, he returned to McDowell County where he taught school for fourteen years. Al dedicated his time to volunteering and advocating for local veterans and military retirees. He is a past chairman of the Retired Military Support Group, past vice-president of the World War I Memorial Building Committee in Kimball, WV, and was an active member of several community organizations. He attended First Christian Church in Bluefield, WV, and enjoyed fishing, boxing, reading the Bible, helping others in need, and writing.

He wanted to share these words: "Please don't say that he gave up, just say that he lost this battle, for it was God's war to win. Please don't give him wings or halos, that's for God to do, he wants no more than he deserves, no extras, just his due. Don't be concerned with him now, he is well with God, he made it home. Don't talk about what could have been, it's over and done, he saw to all his family's needs, so this battle has been won. When you draw a picture of him, don't draw him a saint, he's done some wrong, so use all of your paint, not just the bright tones. Don't just remember the good times, but remember some bad, for life is full of many things, some happy, and some sad. Thank God for he was blessed, praise the awesome God who loved him best."

Al leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 47 years, Sonia T. Hancock of the home, son Phil A. (Melissa) Hancock, daughter Laarni West, two grandsons, relatives, and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Rudolph, sisters Zenobia and Australia, and half-brother Marty.

Per Al's request, no service will be held. In lieu of services, the family invites all who knew Al to honor his memory with a donation to the WVU College of Law Veterans Advocacy Clinic, P.O. Box 6130, Morgantown, WV 26506-6130. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.seaverfuneralservice.com.