Ralph Marshall Hoover Jr.

1940 - 2025

Ralph Marshall Hoover, Jr.

Oct 30, 1940 - Aug 11, 2025

Ralph "Spooky" Hoover was born a day before Halloween in Statesville, NC, where he grew up and excelled in playing baseball, basketball, and football for Statesville High School. He also served as a city lifeguard for 12 years.

After playing football for and attending Elon University, he graduated from East Tennessee State University. He later coached high school football, taught civics and physical education.

Ralph worked for Squibb Pharmaceuticals and Elba Systems Corporation before he found his calling in publishing and photography. Ralph and his wife Nancy (Dellinger) built a successful real estate magazine in Clemmons, NC.

Ralph was a lifelong fan of the Redskins, Braves, and Tar Heels. He was an avid golfer who achieved every golfer's goal of hitting a hole-in-one. He also built Cedar Pointe Golf Center, which he operated for several years.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Marshall Hoover, Sr. and Eva Nell Pope Hoover. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nancy Dellinger Hoover; daughter, Kelly Gunzenhauser (Eric); son, David Hoover; and his two grandchildren, Casey Gunzenhauser and Reid Gunzenhauser, of whom he was extremely proud. He is also survived by his siblings, Johnny Hoover (Kathy), Gene Hoover, and Kay Nicholas.

Dad, all your "sports fans" will miss your warmth and generosity, your constant enthusiasm, your booming voice, and your sense of humor. It's truly been "a slice of heaven."

The family will receive visitors at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Advance, on August 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Senior Services of Winston-Salem.

Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel

108 E. Kinderton Way, Advance, NC 27006