Dale Eugene Hoak

Professor Dale Eugene Hoak, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Tudor historian, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 83, in Williamsburg, VA, on the day of his mother’s birthday.

Dale was born in Springfield, OH on December 12, 1941, the son of Eugene and Thelma “Bonnie” Hoak.

He earned his BA from the College of Wooster, his MA from the University of Pittsburgh, and his PhD from Clare College at the University of Cambridge, England, writing his dissertation on the reign of Edward VI. A world-respected historian, Dale was a specialist in Tudor-Stuart England and Renaissance Reformation Europe and author of four books. He taught at the College of William and Mary from 1975 to 2009, after beginning his career at Florida Atlantic University in 1971. His devotion to historical inquiry and compassion for his students made him a beloved professor and mentor. He taught countless undergraduate and graduate classes in western civilization, Tudor England, and European history. His use of art and visual materials to teach history garnered acclaim. Dale was a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and an Associate Fellow of Clare Hall, University of Cambridge. In recognition of decades of scholarship, teaching, and service, he received the Outstanding Faculty Award for Education, presented by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

In 1968, Dale married (Emily) Berry Marshall, marking the start of fifty-seven years of love, overseas adventure, and cherished family time. Eloping in Athens, Greece, they spent the early years of their marriage in England and relocated to Florida for Dale’s first teaching position. In 1975, they settled in Williamsburg, VA, raising their two children in a house in the treetops that Dale designed. Dale was a warm-hearted, wise father and grandfather with a great sense of humor and quick wit. He lit up a room and was excellent company at the dinner table, at beach trips to the Outer Banks, and at his and his wife’s long-running book club.

He showed his children how to be patient and kind by setting a quiet example of strength and compassion for others. He led family blessings and often served as a moral compass. He instilled in them a curiosity for art, history, and fiction, and loved playing board games and telling stories. Even during his battle with Parkinson’s, Dale was jovial, optimistic, and loving. He enjoyed sailing, his bichons, reading, world politics, and was always there with sage advice or a mischievous smile.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Thelma Hoak. He is survived by his wife, Berry; his son, Brady Hoak and his wife, Emily; his daughter, Megan Khan and her husband, Yusuf; his four grandchildren, Lucy, George, and Peter Hoak and Jacob Khan; his brother, Dennis Hoak; and many beloved relatives and friends.

A memorial service will take place on August 16, 2025 at 11:30am at Bruton Parish Church followed by a gathering at the Parish House on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, VA. Dale will be interred at Bruton Parish Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bruton Parish Church - www.brutonparish.org or the Department of History at the College of William and Mary in support of graduate students -https://give.wm.edu/?d=0074 .