Orville 'Hoover' Wilhoit

Died: Jan. 28, 2013

Orville R. "Hoover" Wilhoit, 84, of Chuckey, passed away Monday evening at his home.

He was a retired farmer and cattle trader.

Mr. Wilhoit was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in early 1950s with the combat engineers.

He was an avid rook player at Shanks & Shanks Market.

"He loved his community and friends more than anything. He was a beloved father and husband."

Survivors include his wife of 56 years: Carol Wilhoit; two sons: Robin Wilhoit and Marty Wilhoit; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Wanda and Billy Jeff Burns and Carole and Ray Ellenburg; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Haskel Wilhoit, Gene and Charlotte Wilhoit; and J.D. and Katie Wilhoit; nieces: Temple Wilhoit, Brenda Fillers, Vona Brotherton, Kema Woolsey, Joni Parker, Lori Coggins, Gina Bowers, and Jill Casey; nephews: Victor Wilhoit and Brian Wilhoit; a stepnephew: Steve Burns; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He was a son of the late Lee and Flora Wilhoit and was preceded in death by sisters: Nebraska Wilhoit, Letha Wilhoit, Lyda Wilhoit, and Blonda Snapp; and a niece: Jo "Phyllis" Broyles.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at Jeffers Funeral & Cremation Service, Afton Chapel, with the funeral service following at 8 p.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Lynn Neas and Zak Neas will officiate.

Family and friends will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at Afton Chapel to go in procession to Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery for an 11 a.m. committal service.

Pallbearers will be John Morelock, Ted Wilhoit, Bob Shaw, Joe Brown, Frank Mitchell, and Denver Shaw.

Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Shaw, Charles Gfellers, and all of his many friends.