MOULTRIE — Former Colquitt County Commission Chairman Max Hancock died Saturday, April 12. He was 91.

Funeral services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Trinity Baptist Church. The Rev. Nick Dawson and the Rev. Hugh Ward will officiate. A private family interment will be at Cobb-Suncrest Memorial Gardens.

Hancock was born in Sparks on November 9, 1933, the son of the late Mack Gary Hancock and Myrtle Rountree Hancock. He served in the United States Air Force and then graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor of science in pharmacy. He was a pharmacist for many years and was once a co-owner of Watson Pharmacy.  Also, he worked for many years in quality control at Miller Brewing Company.

“The Colquitt County Board of Commissioners honors the life, service, and leadership of former County Commissioner and Commission Chairman Max Hancock,” stated a post on the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners Facebook page.

Hancock was heavily involved in local and state government. As a county commissioner he advocated, created and chaired committees for many projects including curbside pickup for solid waste in Colquitt County and bringing Sanderson Farms to Moultrie. He was also a key advocate in the four-laning of Highway 133 between Moultrie and Valdosta. During Gov. Roy Barnes’ tenure, he was appointed to the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority. He served as chairman under Gov. Sonny Perdue.

“Max Hancock was a true force for progress in this community,” said Moultrie Mayor Bill McIntosh. “He was tenacious in supporting so many projects that have benefitted our county in countless ways. Max had the ability to graciously persuade others to join in on matters that he deemed important for the welfare of all Colquitt Countians.”

Hancock was also involved with several community organizations and entities. He was a member of and served as chair or president of the Thomasville Exchange Club, Thomasville Jaycees, Deep South Fair, Exalted Ruler of the Moultrie Elks Club, Colquitt County Board of Education, Sunset Country Club, and Pot O’ Gold Pro Am Tournament. He was the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 2006.

“Max was a true gentleman and people person, never meeting a stranger. Personally, I have lost a great friend for whom I had the utmost respect and appreciation. Max Hancock’s leadership certainly was a model for all,” McIntosh said.

In his free time, Hancock was an avid golfer and gardener. He was also a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Hancock and his wife, Amelia “Mickie” Hughes Hancock, were married for almost 70 years.