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WILBERT HOVEY Obituary
HOVEY, 91
LAKELAND - Wilbert 'Bill' E. Hovey passed away on 8/8/16 after a 2 yr. battle with COPD.
Born on Oct. 19, 1924, he was 91. He was very well liked by members of the Skyview Estates community. He had a full life and worked hard to take care of his family. Bill was a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed working with children. He was a lineman in OH, and most of his career, he was a golf professional and golf pro superintendent in Vermilion, Massillon and N. Canton, OH, as well as in Alpena, MI, Duluth, Lithonia and Comer, GA. He was an avid golfer and made 4 holes in 1 in his lifetime. He was co-founder of VFW Post 11179 in Ft. Meade and served as Commander 4 times and was still an active member.
He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, served as Gunner's Mate 2C on several ships, the last being the Nehenta Bay. He married Laverne McCormick in 1945, built his house and raised his family. With his children on their own Bill retired to care for his wife. They were married 58 years.
He is predeceased by his parents, Josephine and Earl Hovey, brother Ray, sons Larry, David and Dennis, and his wife Laverne. He is survived by wife Rita, daughter Gale, son Michael, sisters Helen, Gene and Earlene, brothers Ralph and Neal. He has 3 grandchildren, Brandon, Matthew and Katie and 6 great-grands.
Bill was cremated and will be interred at Bushnell. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILBERT HOVEY
Rita Hovey
August 6, 2019
Three years, gone so fast, and the ache still remains. I am going on without you but it is not the same, and it never will be. I see your face when I close my eyes, I hear your voice when I sit quietly and recall our conversations and memories. I feel your presence often, but I long to feel your arms around me. I love you, my sweet man. You gave me so much, and I hold on to all that. Until we meet again.
August 2, 2018
The two year anniversary of you leaving me will be coming up soon. As each day passes life goes a bit smoother but the ache in my heart has never gone away, nor will it. You are in my thoughts daily. The memories of our lives keep flooding my mind. I don't think I will truly ever get over your
departure. I miss you, sweetheart, and I will always love you.
On our honeymoon
Rita Hovey
August 7, 2017
It was one year ago today that I was with you. The sadness I feel without you is hard to bear. I know you would want me to go on with life but it will never be the same. You will always be in heart and I will always love you.
Roy and Colleen Wright
August 13, 2016
Our prayers are that God will sustain you as you face each day. We will all have wonderful memories of Bill. Memories are one gift of God that death cannot destroy.
Willyanne
August 13, 2016
Please know that you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband. I know that there is little I can say to console you but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time.
Kathleen Rennick Santi
August 13, 2016
Our deepest sympathies go out to you Aunt Rita and to all of Bill's family during this difficult time. Bill was a good man and brought joy to many. Hope all of you can take comfort knowing that and knowing that he is at peace now and will live forever in your hearts and memories. Stay well. Love Kathy and Pete
August 13, 2016
Rita, our prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time,
Richard and Bonnie Powell
Annette Gerage
August 12, 2016
What an accomplished life! A true testament of a good man.
Patti Gerage
August 12, 2016
It was an honor to have known Bill. I have the utmost respect for him and loved listening to him talk about his early life. I'm glad Mom and Bill found each other when they did...very good for each other. Bill will be missed very much.
Charlie & Jim Morvay
August 12, 2016
Rita, I'm so sorry your dear, sweet husband has gone away from your loving arms. Rest assured he's now with God and the angels, and will forever be watching over you and Willy. I will certainly miss him when we get back down to Skyview. Prayers, love, and hugs, my friend.
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