Billy Hancock

Billy Ray Hancock died April 12, 2022; he was 90. He was a beloved and longtime educator and historian in Waxahachie, TX and the 9th grade campus is named after him. Born June 1, 1931 he was a lifelong resident of Waxahachie, attended school and graduated from Waxahachie High School. He then attended Baylor University in Waco, TX where he studied and received a degree in education and a Masters in history.

Billy Ray served in the United States Army from 1954-57.He returned to the states and started teaching for the Waxahachie Independent School district in 1957 until his retirement in 1995. He continued teaching History for Navarro College until 2014. History was a passion for Billy Ray and was a staunch advocate for recording and preserving, especially local histories. He worked closely with students and the Ellis County Museum to record and preserve records of early Waxahachie. Many of the Historical Markers in Waxahachie can be attributed to his efforts along with the Jr. Historians group that he helped to establish. Billy Ray is responsible for the publications of several local histories notably This Was Ellis County series and other books on local topics.

Billy Ray married Yoshiko (Peggy) Aria of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Nippon in 1957 and were married for 48 years until her death in 2005. They are survived by his brother Marty Hancock of Arizona and three sons, their spouses, 4 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Charles, Deborah and Isaac (grandchild) of Austin, TX, John S., Christe Hancock of McGregor, TX and Heath Huntsberger (grandchild) Angel Clepper, Destiny and Kyle Huntsberger (great grandchildren) of Hennessy, OK. Ted, Nancy, Hallie, Haven (grandchildren) of Ennis, TX.

Memorial Services are pending