Hobart McKinley Honaker, age 87, of Whitewood, Virginia, drew his last breath on this earth on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at his home following a lengthy illness.
He was born August 27, 1932 and was the son of the late William Arthur Honaker and Lena Jane Blankenship Honaker. He was a graduate of Whitewood High School and was a United States Air Force Korean War Veteran. Hobart worked for Norfolk-Western Railroad before becoming the Representative for the Compact UMWA. He also worked as the Legislative Aide for his good friends Delegate Jackie Stump, U.S. Representative Rick Boucher, and U.S. Senator John Warner. While working in Richmond, he was well known for taking a break everyday to walk his little canine companion, Benji. Hobart loved spending time with his family and church family. He devotedly read three newspapers a day, front to back. He loved bass fishing and was a proud Atlanta Braves fan. Hobart was a former member of the VFW Post #7360 Grundy, Virginia; Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 AF&AM; and was the overseer of area UMWA Locals. He was a lifetime resident of the area and is the last surviving member of his immediate family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ines Matney Honaker; two sisters; five brothers; mother in law, Ocie Horn Davis Stacey; sister in law, Shirley Sturgill; and his canine companion, Benji.
Those that remain to carry on his spirit are his:
Loving wife, Syvilla Davis Honaker of Whitewood, VA
Sons:
Danny Honaker and wife, Ann of Richlands, VA
Donnie Honaker and wife, Misti of Abingdon, VA
Stepdaughter, Melanie McMillen and husband, Randy of Morgantown, WV
Special Niece, Jeanita Large and husband, Shannon of Kingsport, TN
Grandchildren: Meghan Dejong and Grayson McKinley Honaker
Step Grandchild: Mac McMillen
Great Grandchild: Ellie Taplin
Brothers-in-law: Ralph and Betty Davis of Kissimmee, Fl and Dentis Sturgill of KY
A host of nieces, nephews and friends also survive.
Funeral services for Hobart M. Honaker will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with the Elder’s Travis Davis and Danny Davis officiating. Entombment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Claypool Hill, Virginia. Pallbearers will be friends and family. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Joe Elswick, Alan Honaker, Danny Yates, and Shannon Large. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Bee Branch Primitive Baptist Church, c/o of Gail Asbury, 143 Acre Lane, Cedar Bluff, VA 24609 or to the Pancreatic Cancer Association. The family request that protective masks be worn if you plan on attending the funeral. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com