COURTLAND—Romie Whitehead Hancock Jr., 83, died on Monday, April 13, 2015, in Gordonsville, Virginia.

He was born in Franklin, Virginia, on June 21, 1931, the son of the late Romie Whitehead Hancock Sr. and Marie Tillery Hancock. He was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Margaret Anderson Thompson Hancock, of Culpeper.

Romie is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Lynne Hancock Schwar and her husband, Joe Schwar, of Ruckersville; his sister, Catherine (Emily) Hancock Bass of Courtland; his grandchildren, Holly Michelle Sauer of Woodbridge and Paul William Sauer of Charlottesville; a special friend, Elsie Griffin of Smithfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

After graduating from high school, Romie attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute for two years. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War, receiving a Bronze Star for valor. Following his active duty, he returned to college and received his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from VPI in 1956. He remained active in the Army Reserves until his retirement in 1991 as a lieutenant colonel.

Romie worked as a claims adjuster for Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Company for many years. Following his retirement, Romie learned to ski and became an avid member of the Roanoke Ski Club. He also loved to fish, and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

The funeral will be on Friday, April 17, at 11 a.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, with the Rev. Michael Baugham officiating. Following the service, Romie will be laid to rest at the Rosemont Cemetery in Sedley, Virginia. Military honors will be accorded at the graveside.

The family would like to invite his friends and family to the Courtland Baptist Church Fellowship Hall for food, fellowship and a celebration of Romie’s life following the burial.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family is especially grateful to the staff at The Village at Gordon House for providing a warm and caring home for Romie as well as compassionate support for his daughter and her family.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.