Willie Hoats Obituary

Willie Hoats, Jr. WALTERBORO - Mr. Willie "Billy" Hoats, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 22, 2012. He was 83. "Billy" was born February 3, 1929 in Ruffin, a son of the late Bill and Ruby Hudson Hoats. He attended Hendersonville High School before becoming an electrician, a trade he enjoyed for several years before being drafted into the Army in the 1950's to serve in the Korean Conflict. After the war he joined the National Guard. "Billy" became employed with SCE&G as a lineman, eventually became a Line Supervisor, and retired after 40 years with the company from the job he truly enjoyed. He dearly loved playing golf and participated in quite a few tournaments, winning several trophies over the years. Pool was also a hobby at which he excelled. At the age of 81, he could still play a "mean game". He loved to attend his sons and grandchildren's ball games. He was a very active member of Peniel United Methodist Church until a year ago when he could no longer do some of the things he enjoyed doing, such as helping to maintain the yard and cemetery and anything else he could do for the church. He was a member of the American Legion Post 93 and served in many capacities including being Commander several times. Mr. Hoats was the oldest active member of the Walterboro Elks Lodge #1988, was a trustee for 25 years, and was the Bingo caller for 10 years. He was a life member of the Sand Dunes Club of Sullivans Island and a member of the Frontier Twirlers Square Dance Club for 26 years before health problems forced him to quit. He is survived by the love of his life for 59 years, Marie Carter Hoats, and by two sons, Carroll Hoats (Jenny) and Randy Hoats both of Walterboro. There are two granddaughters, Melanie Hoats Layden (Tommy) of Walterboro, and Michelle Hoats Shelton (Brian) of St. George, two grandsons, Jason Hoats and Jonathan Hoats both of Walterboro, three great granddaughters, Savanna and Paige Shelton of St. George and Kaelyn Hoats of Walterboro, and two step great granddaughters, Caitlin and Rachel Layden of Bamberg. There is one great grandson, Tristan Layden, one sister Sandra Benton (I. M.) and one brother, Johnny Hoats (Jeanette) all of Walterboro. There are also several nieces and nephews. One of his greatest joys in life was having his family around him all the time. He had a special love for each of them. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday in the chapel of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 PM, and at other times the family will be at the home of Melanie Layden, 1226 Green Pond Hwy., Walterboro, SC Memorials may be made to Peniel United Methodist Church, 1397 Hendersonville Hwy., Walterboro, SC 29488 or to Epworth's Children Home, P. O. Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250. Online condolences may be left for the family at parkerrhodenfuneralhome.com. PARKER-RHODEN FUNERAL HOME, 117 Paul St., Walterboro, SC is in charge of arrangements. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston