Carl Ogden Hocke Jr.

Carl Ogden Hocke Jr., son of the late Ogden and Anne Hogan Hocke, died at his home in Greensboro on January 4, 2017. He is survived by his only sister, Joanne Tamayo, brother-in-law John Tamayo, nieces Donna Tamayo Backshall and Karen Tamayo (husband Benjamin Purser), grandnephews Dylan Backshall and Adam Backshall, and grandnieces Hannah Purser and Maddie Purser.

Carl was born on September 7, 1946 in Bayonne, New Jersey. While he spent his early years in New Jersey, he had made North Carolina his home for the past 40 years. His life was full of rich experiences. He spent time in the seminary, and later traveled throughout Europe. As a teacher, he took on the challenge of introducing high school students to science and chemistry. He was a gifted musician, and until his final days he devoted much of his time to playing at mass and other services. He owned a successful florist shop. For many years, he brought joy to numerous families by facilitating adoption of Guatemalan children. In the latter part of his life, health issues slowed him down, but he never lost his generous spirit and ready smile. He lived contentedly with his cats. He was often seen stopping in to visit local nursing home residents to share his gift of caring presence. He loved his family and the love was returned many times over.

Carl was a beloved brother, a fiercely loyal and irreplaceable friend, and a gentle soul to all who knew him. If you knew Carl, you knew there was not a person he encountered to whom he would not have eagerly given the shirt off his back or all the money in his pocket, had they needed it. He moved through life humbly and with unwavering faith that God would take care of him. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Humane Society of the Piedmont, 4527 W. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27409 or Safe Haven for Cats, 8431 Garvey Drive, #137, Raleigh, NC 27616 (Safehavenforcats.org ). Carl was a passionate lover of all animals, and his star will shine a little brighter knowing his giving nature inspired further care for all God’s creatures.

A funeral mass will be said for Carl on Friday, January 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 2210 North Elm Street in Greensboro, NC, with a reception to follow at the Elk's Lodge. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting Mr. Hocke’s family.