Arthur Norman Hofmeyer Jr.

HOFMEYER, Arthur Norman Jr., a lifelong resident of Charles City County, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on November 13, 2023. Born on September 1, 1935, in Richmond, Virginia, at his grandmother Marie Perkins Hobson's house to parents Arthur Norman Hofmeyer, Sr., and Marie Elizabeth Hobson. Norman lived a life rich in love, faith, and farming.

Norman's journey through life was marked by significant milestones and a deep commitment to his family and community. In 1962, he met the love of his life, Dorothy "Dottie" Landes, on a blind date while playing bridge at Audrey Lampkin's house. Their union spanned just shy of 55 years until Dottie's passing. Norman was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Sherry Hofmeyer Dunn.

He is survived by his daughters, Bonnie Hofmeyer (Roger Sizemore), Robin Ellis (Bruce); son-in-law, Mike Dunn; grandchildren, Arden Miller (Joel), Mallari Sizemore (Joey Perich), Courtney Small (Dillon), Kayla McNeil (Tyler), Seth-Michael Dunn, Savanna-Lee Dunn, Colby Ellis (Sarah), Haley Ellis (Cody Wade); and five great-grandchildren. His brother John Everett Hofmeyer, Sr. and several nieces and nephews also survive him.

Norman's impact extended beyond his family, as he dedicated over 40 years to the Charles City County community. He was a proud member of the crop improvement association, a director of the Farm Bureau for Charles City, James City, New Kent, and York County, and an elected official for the Soil and Water Conservation District, in which he was awarded a 40-year pin acknowledging his service. His dedication to serving his community was further demonstrated through his lifelong service on the Wetlands/Chesapeake Bay Board. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Charles City, and was a member of the Jamestowne Society and the National Society Descendants of American Farmers.

A graduate of Charles City High School in 1952, Norman attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, now known as Virginia Tech, Go Hokies!

His journey with agriculture began at a young age when his father, faced with a shortage of help during World War II, entrusted him with the responsibility of driving a tractor at just eight years old. Young Norman gladly took on the fun challenge and he drove from Stateland up to Epes Island next to Shirley Plantation. Norman served in the Army as a medic, stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, during 1959, where he had the unique experience of being stationed alongside the legendary Elvis Presley.

Norman loved living on the water at his beloved Tomahund family farm and enjoyed hunting and fishing. The farm was not merely a piece of land to Norman, it was a place where memories grew as abundantly as the crops. With every sunrise and sunset, he saw the culmination of a life well-lived. Summers were spent creating lasting memories on the Outer Banks of NC and Massanutten with his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and lifelong friends.

Known for his friendly and talkative nature, Norman never met a stranger. He had a unique ability to connect with others, often learning their life stories before parting ways. His warmth extended to giving nicknames to every child in his life, a testament to the special place each person held in his heart.

While we mourn the physical loss of Arthur Norman Hofmeyer, Jr., we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure through the memories of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the fields he cultivated, the waters he cherished, and the love of family and friends that defined his remarkable journey.

A visitation for Norman will be held Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. A service will occur Monday, November 20, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Mt Pleasant Baptist Church, 19300 The Glebe Ln, Charles City, Virginia 23030.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.