Hoyt Lee Reel

Hoyt Lee Reel, 85, of Dumfries, VA, died Sunday, August 12, 2012 at Hospice of Rutherford County. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann Sprouse Reel; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Born on December 25, 1926 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Eula Smith Reel and Joseph Reel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James Robert Reel and Edward “Dick” Reel, also an uncle, George W. Smith.

Mr. Reel grew up on South Madison Street in Marion, where his mother ran a boarding house and his uncle, George Smith, operated a plumbing business. During his youth, Hoyt was a paper delivery boy for the Marion Progress newspaper throughout the neighborhoods of Marion.

Mr. Reel served in the U.S. Navy while stationed aboard the USS Laub during World War II. Following his service in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Reel worked as a fireman on locomotives for Southern Railroad. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Occupation of Berlin where at the time of his discharge he had earned the rank of Staff Sgt.

Following the Army, he attended North Carolina State University and earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation, he obtained employment with Virginia Electric and Power Company as a mechanical engineer.

Mr. Reel continued his career working in Civil Service with the U.S. Government at Fort Belvoir, VA, where he was in charge of numerous projects, such as testing diving equipment and new engines for landing crafts. He also volunteered as a diver for the Prince William County, Virginia Rescue Squad for a number of years.

Mr. Reel loved and enjoyed kayaking where he ran rivers extensively in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. He was a member of the American Whitewater Association and participated in its many activities in Virginia and West Virginia.

He began painting at an early age, and became a prolific artist. Upon retirement he formed his own company, Possum Point Productions, Inc., in Dumfries, VA, where he made and sold prints of his artwork. He received Honorable Mention at a showing of his paintings in New Orleans. One of Mr. Reel’s paintings was featured on the cover of the American Whitewater Association magazine. By invitation, he exhibited his paintings at Frostburg State University in Western Maryland.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11 o’clock at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1372 Macedonia Baptist Church Loop, Nebo, NC. Burial was previously in the Church Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336,

Forest City, NC 28043.