Richard E. (Dick) Hancock, 80, of Ocala, FL, passed away January 20, 2021. Born in Tulsa, OK, on April 10, 1940, to Dorothy May (Parker) and Willard Eliott Hancock. As a young man, he earned his Eagle Scout and graduated from Central High School in Tulsa. Throughout junior high, high school, college and beyond, he was involved in the sport of rodeo, riding bulls, broncs and roping. Richard was a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa College of Law. He went on to practice law first in a private practice and then as a District Attorney, and was proud to serve two terms in the House of Representatives in Oklahoma.
In the late 1970s, Richard moved to Lexington, KY, where he owned a Thoroughbred Horse Farm, worked as a Bloodstock Agent and enjoyed the sport of polo. In 1988, Richard relocated to Ocala, FL, where he served as the Executive Director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA). For 22 years, Richard served Florida’s Horse industry, overseeing the growth of the breeders’ incentive program. Working with the FTBOA Board of Directors, he established Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Florida Retirement Farm, obtained the Ocala Thoroughbred Racing permit and copyrighted Horse Capital of the World © for Ocala/Marion County. Richard retired at the end of 2011 and then served on the boards of Kids Central, Inc. and the Florida Horse Park.
Of all his accomplishments, Richard was most proud of his family. Richard is survived by his wife, Cathy Albright Hancock; four daughters, Laura (Billy) Baysinger, Tulsa, OK, Ellie Hancock, Ocala, FL, Katherine (Matt) Harrison, St. Petersburg, FL, Barbara (Andrew) Nelson, St. Petersburg, FL; and two stepchildren, Steve (Stephanie) Albright, Ocala, FL and Weldon (Tim) Liberatore, Ocala, FL; brother, Don Hancock, Ft. Smith, AK; 12 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.
Due to the pandemic, a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Marion County or Florida Thoroughbred Charities.