Ray Wilbur Hovis

Ray Wilbur Hovis, 87, died February 1, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Stanley, son of the late Clarence and Dorothy Murphy Hovis, and was preceded in death by a son Ray W. Hovis, Jr. and a sister Lucille H. Jetton. He served with the US Navy during the Korean War as a Engineman 2C at Tresure Island CA, and Sasebo, Japan. He earned an Associates degree in mechanical pre-engineering from Pheiffer College, where he also played baseball.  He taught carpentry at Stanley High School and for many years automechanics at East Gaston High. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Stanley where he served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 49 and also served on other committees.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years Rebecca Rhyne Hovis, two sons Mark Hovis and wife Carolyn of Stanley, George Hovis and wife Kim Jastremski of Cooperstown, NY,  grandchildren Sarah Hovis Haney, Josephine Hovis, and Ray Hovis, and a brother Hugh Hovis of Stanley.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Hovis will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church – Common Ground Campus, 5481 Hickory Grove Road, Stanley, with Pastor Noel Sweezy officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 217 North Main, St., Stanley, NC 28164. A private graveside service will be at a later date at Hillcrest Gardens.

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