On December 31, 2022 James Edward “Eddie” Hockman, 92, went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on May 17, 1930 in Bentonville, VA to Harry L. and Gladys Claig Hockman.
On March 15, 1958, he married Nora Ann Alger of Rileyville. VA. They were married for 63 years.
Eddie is survived by three daughters. Susie Wertz (Randy) of Front Royal, Sharon Vaught of Front Royal and Brenda Hockman of Staunton, six grandchildren, Lindsay McKinstry, Diane Wertz, Kevin Wertz, Kimberly Alger, Courtney Baker-Williams and Haley Buracker and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nora Ann Hockman, a brother Harry R. Hockman, a sister Nellie Mae Morrison and a son-in-law, Jeff Vaught.
Eddie was a 1949 graduate of Warren County High School. He was a life-long member of Bentonville Baptist Church where he served as teacher, deacon and trustee and many other titles over the years.
A US Army veteran proudly served his country during the Korean War.
He was employed with Avtex Fibers until they closed. He then went to work for Rappawan until he retired.
He enjoyed gardening, farming, raising Polled Hereford cattle, and catching and frying up a mess of fish. He loved talking about his high school football days where he became quite the fullback, where he got the nick name “Touch-down mole”. He was always lending a hand to his neighbors and anyone in need. He never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor and had such a happy disposition and was full of wise advice.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 8th at the Bentonville Baptist Church by Pastor Dan Ellis and Pastor Wayne Woodard with visitation one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2.
His final resting place will be in the old family cemetery in Rileyville near Black Angus Lane.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Kevin Wertz, Brandon Baker-Williams, Jamie Lentz, Timmy Lentz, Michael Licklider, Kelly Elliott, Trapper Alger, Woody Morrison, Keith Nauman and Adam McCauley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Blue Ridge Hospice or to Bentonville Baptist Church.
My prayers and sympathy go to the family. He will be missed around Bentonville.
Condolences, To All Family Members 🙏
To the family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. RIP Mr. Hockman.
Definitely will miss his smile. Thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time.
One great man for sure
Hugs and prayers for Eddie’s family. I will really miss Eddie as I have known him all my adult life.
A true friend many good times at Bentonville Baptist Church and camping at State Fairs He will be missed