Former Cobb County Manager David Hankerson’s funeral plans announced

David Hankerson, the first Black county manager of Cobb County, passed away this week after battling a lengthy illness at the age of 77. His funeral will be held in Marietta on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Turner Chapel Church, located at 492 North Marietta Parkway.

Recognized as one of the longest-serving county managers in Georgia, Hankerson dedicated himself to public service throughout his career. He joined Cobb County in 1984, and assumed leadership of the county’s staff in early 1993. Hankerson went on to hold the county manager position for over two decades. His tenure witnessed Cobb’s substantial growth. In 2017, after 24 years as county manager and a total of 33 years of service, Hankerson retired.

Credited with guiding the county through significant changes, he notably played a key role in the construction of the East-West Connector in the early 1990s and fostered development in southwest Cobb amid controversy. Following his service in Cobb, Hankerson continued contributing to public affairs as the director of intergovernmental and civic affairs at the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. Funeral arrangements are pending, as mentioned in a news release.

Upon the news of Hankerson’s passing, county leaders expressed their condolences. Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens remembered Hankerson as a dedicated public servant and recipient of the inaugural Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. 

Current Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris, whose journey in Cobb began under Hankerson’s leadership in 2013, praised his enduring impact on the county, emphasizing core values such as integrity, honesty, hard work, and readiness.

Hankerson’s legacy is hailed as a significant contribution to Cobb County, and his profound influence is acknowledged by those who worked closely with him.