William Brooks Hoffman

William Brooks Hoffman, age 87, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, on March 12, 2026.

Born on May 18, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Bill was the son of Vera Brooks Hoffman and Robert Hornbrook Hoffman. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to the Indianapolis, Indiana area. Having lived in several cities and states during his youth, he graduated in 1956 from Menomonee Falls High School in Wisconsin.

Bill served his country as an Officer and Artillery Instructor in the United States Army. While stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he met and married the love of his life, Sharon Ann Roper. Together they began a life of family and shared adventure.

After several moves along the way, Bill and his family settled in Louisville, Kentucky in 1967. While building a successful career as an insurance executive, he made the bold decision to return to school and pursue a legal career. In 1973, he enrolled at the University of Louisville School of Law. After graduating in 1976, he began practicing law at the firm of Mulhall, Major, Turner, and Taylor in Louisville, where he had previously clerked as a law student earning $2 an hour. Over the years, he became a respected partner at the firm and practiced law in both Kentucky and Indiana for more than 30 years, gradually retiring in 2006.

Throughout his career, Bill was known for his diligence, professionalism, and genuine care for the people he represented. He took great pride in helping hundreds of clients navigate difficult times with integrity and compassion.

Bill proudly considered himself a Kentuckian through and through and held a deep love for the Commonwealth. He cherished the outdoors and instilled in his children a respect for nature and the importance of being good stewards of the land.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 35 years, Sharon Ann Hoffman.

Bill is survived by his three sons: Barry (Ellen) Hoffman of Berlin, Maryland; Dr. William Hoffman of Louisville, Kentucky; and Ben (Angela) Hoffman of Westfield, Indiana. He is also survived by his siblings, Bob (Donna) Hoffman and Diana McCarthy; his seven grandchildren, Brooks, Samuel, Bradley, Sarah (Alex), Barron, Sharon, and Julie; as well as many dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Ratterman Brothers East Louisville (12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40243) with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Cave Hill Cemetery.