LINCOLNTON - Roy Ford "Doc" Hoyle, 88 years old, of Lincolnton, NC was born on Jan. 25, 1921.

His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pinkney Hoyle. He died quietly at his home on July 22, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Clara Hoffman Hoyle, his oldest son, Dr. Larry Dean Hoyle, and seventeen brothers and sisters.

His funeral service will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at First Wesleyan Church with Rev. Tommy Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 pm on Friday, July 24, 2009 at Warlick Funeral Home.

Mr. Hoyle served in the US Navy during World War II, and he received several medals of honor. He was the owner and operator of H&H Cleaners of Lincolnton for forty years. After his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed fishing, gardening, and traveling.

As a charter member of Lincolnton First Wesleyan Church, Mr. Hoyle spent countless hours ministering to the people of his church. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for 29 years, taught Sunday School, served on the District Board of Administration, and various other positions. His passion was his ministry at First Wesleyan Church.

Survivors of Mr. Hoyle include two sons and their wives, Keith and Harriet Hoyle of Lexington, SC and Roy and Tena Hoyle of Laramie, WY. There is also one daughter and her husband, Cindy and Bobby Sherrill of Lincolnton, NC. Mr. Hoyle loved his family, including his eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

To his family and friends, Mr. Hoyle leaves a legacy of deep Christian faith. Memorials may be made to Lincolnton First Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 642, Lincolnton, NC 28093.
Warlick Funeral Home is serving the Hoyle family..

Published in Gaston Gazette from July 22 to July 23, 2009