Brannon Hancock Obituary

Brannon "Steve" Stevens Hancock of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee A consummate cattleman and land manager, Brannon "Steve" Stevens Hancock spent a lifetime caring for his family, friends, and the welfare and improvement of the land and livestock he cherished. Steve dedicated his considerable energy and abilities to his duties as a husband, father, cattle rancher, and land manager. He passed away, still active and independent, on July 19th, 2025, aged 77. Steve spent most of his working life as ranch manager of Creek Plantation near Martin, South Carolina where he was a dedicated steward of the land and raised cattle and quarter horses. He was acknowledged by colleagues as one of the premier herdsmen in the nation. His love of life and the care he showed for those he considered his charges, both human and animal, were obvious to all who knew him. A quiet man, it took little time in Steve's company to realize he was an astute observer of the world around him. His calm demeanor and understated, intelligent humor (often practiced more for his own entertainment than that of an audience, it must be admitted) were readily apparent and were relished by those who knew him well. Steve was raised in Demorest, Georgia. He earned a BS and MS in Livestock Science from the University of Georgia and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a patriot who served with distinction in Vietnam and was awarded medals, including the Purple Heart Bronze Star. Steve was the son of Brannon Hancock, cattleman, horseman, farmer, and logger, known as an expert at any task to which he set his hand, and Carol Stevens Hancock, a lifelong educator, bibliophile, gardener, birder, and walker, the most intelligent, well-read, active, and observant person most ever met. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Susan Hancock, who was Steve's joy and partner in life. He is also survived by sister Barbara Jarrard, sister Paige Harvey and brother-in-law Bruce Harvey, son Brannon Hancock and daughter-in-law Jennifer Hancock, son Thomas Hancock and daughter-in-law Laura Hancock, son Colby Dean and daughter-in-law Vanessa Dean, son Kyle Hancock and daughter-in-law Hillary Hancock, and by his grandchildren, Nathan Hancock, Kingston Dean, Caroline Hancock and Jack Hancock. A memorial service will be held at Creek Plantation Training Center, 319 Steel Creek Road, Martin, SC 29836 at 10:00 AM on July 31st. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following: Homer W. Stevens Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Piedmont College, 165 Central Avenue, Demorest, GA 30535; or Savannah Riverkeeper, P.O. Box 60, Augusta, GA 30903 https://www.savannahriverkeeper.org Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hancock family.