John Edward Hoover, 79, of Hayes, died peacefully at his home Sept. 4, 2015, with his loving family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born June 19, 1936 in Harrisville, W.Va. John served in the U.S. Army with two tours in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star w/one Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, Vietnam Service Medal and Campaign Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and Army Commendation Medal w/one Oak Leaf Cluster. He retired after 20 years at the rank of CW3. John worked as an independent contractor for several years, and then became a realtor and was retired from Virginia Country Real Estate.

John was a former member of the Gloucester Point Rotary Club, the Abingdon Ruritan Club and served as a PTA president of Achilles Elementary School. John enjoyed fishing, reading, baseball and NASCAR racing. His spirit of strength and determination will be an inspiration to all of us and we will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Opal Hoover, and first wife, Margarete.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carolyn Hoover; sons, Jerome Hoover (Louann) and Mark Hoover (Martha); daughter, Dr. Lori Hoover, M.D.; brother, Gayford Hoover (Cleona); sister, Pauletta Davis (Rich); his “best buddy” and granddaughter, Saoirse; four nieces, and many friends.

A service of Christian Mass conducted by the Rev. James Cowles will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at Church of St. Therese, Gloucester. Inurnment will be private.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Paschold and all the Virginia Oncology staff, Sentara Hospice Team, Dr. Gillespie and Riverside Radiology.

The family desires contributions in memory of John be made to the Saoirse Noonan Scholarship Fund, Chesapeake Bank, P.O. Box 339, Hayes, Va. 23072.

Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point. Family and friends may share condolences and memories at www.hoggfh.com.