Murall Dee Hancock

Capt. Murall D. Hancock
March 25, 1934 - February 10, 2026

Capt. Murall D. Hancock, age 91, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, in Decatur, Georgia, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Born on March 25, 1934, in Sloans Valley, Kentucky, Murall was the son of Theodore and Ida Hancock. From the hills of Kentucky, he carried with him a steady work ethic, faith, generosity, and a quiet strength that would define his life.

Murall joined the United States Air Force as a young man and worked with SAC where he was stationed at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Georgia. It was there that he met the love of his life, Peggy Sue Futral and married her on June 8, 1957. After their marriage, some travel, and some kids, they made their home in Atlanta, where Murall began what would become a remarkable 32-year career as a pilot with Delta Air Lines.

As a Delta captain, Murall flew millions of miles and helped shape the next generation of aviators. He had the distinct honor of training the first female pilot in the fleet, audited hundreds of flights as a AAD Line Check Airman, and eventually retired as one of Delta's Top 100 senior pilots - a testament to his skill, dedication, and steady leadership in the cockpit.

But he was much better known as "Popsy," than "Captain."

To his gaggle of grandchildren, he was the cool one - the one who taught them to fish, ride bikes, and swim. They followed him around his garage, into the garden, down trails, under the ocean, and up Stone Mountain. He sang to them "Can't Help Falling in Love," "The Prayer," and "Magic Moments" with gusto. He taught them how to invest in stocks, how to think wisely, how to do "adult" things. He cooked a little, but ate enthusiastically, and he showed up - again and again - for the people he loved.

10 out of 10, would absolutely recommend as a father and grandfather.

Murall is survived by his four children: Chris (Jill), Chuck (Tamera), Robin, and David (Maria); his grandchildren: Melissa (Tobias), Courtney (Kris), Amelia (William), Eilis, Lydia (Clay), Katherine, Neil, Emory, Nathan, Eric, Sam, Charlotte, and Sophia; his great-grandchildren: Caleb, Payton, Jolene, Tobin, Emerson, Penelope, Deacon, Roman; and his great-great-grandchildren: Wade and Ryder.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Peggy Sue Hancock - "Momsy" - with whom he now spends eternity in the presence of our loving Father, Jesus Christ.

To quote one of his favorite lyrics "Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace. Give us faith so we'll be safe."

His family will celebrate his life in a private ceremony.