John Willis Hoover, Sr.

He was born on January 30, 1941, in Waycross, GA, to the late Emory Gilbert Hoover, Sr. and Belle James Hoover. The family relocated to Tallahassee in 1950, where John spent much of his life.

John is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Terry Hoover; his sons, John Jr. (Juanise), David (Charlotte), and Matthew (Lauren); his daughter-in-law Tami Davis; his nephew, Stacy Dilmore; his brother, Emory Gilbert “Gil” Hoover (Anne): his four grandchildren, Bradley, Kaitlin, Jack, and Harrison; his three great-grandchildren, Haylee, Kaiden, and Olivia; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was predeceased by his sisters, Ina Harriet Hoover and Kay Andrews, and his son, Jack Dustin Davis.

After his formative years in Tallahassee, John graduated from Leon High School in 1959 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University. He initially pursued a career as a computer programmer, where he worked for several decades. After retiring from the IT field, he channeled his creativity into residential contracting. His passion for building was evident from a young age—at just 11 years old, he built a sleek yellow racer that won the Tallahassee Soap Box Derby and sent him to compete in the national derby.

John’s love for nature was a central part of his life, evident in his enjoyment of camping and exploring the farmlands of South Georgia with his numerous cousins, and fishing and sailing along the Florida Panhandle coastline. Sailing was a special passion of his; he learned to sail at age 15 on a 10-ft O'Day sailboat, and he never lost his love for the ocean breeze. John and Terry even spent their honeymoon aboard a 33-ft sailboat.

John had a heart full of love for God, his family, and others. For over 30 years, he was a devoted member of John Wesley United Methodist Church and Deer Lake Church. He served as District Lay Leader, chairperson of numerous committees, and volunteered in various capacities, including the missions ministry, Sunday School of all ages, nursery, and Bible study. John also took great joy in family gatherings, especially when he could take his grandchildren along camping or on ski trips. He loved the Tallahassee community where he participated in various local organizations, including serving as president of the Capital Area Easter Seal Society.

John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, whose kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Deer Lake Church (8013 Deer Lake S.) on Thursday, November 13, at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Deer Lake Church or Big Bend Hospice.