Jerry Wayne Hoover

Jerry Wayne Hoover, 75, of Ridgeley, West Virginia, passed away on March 9th, 2025, peacefully in his home. Jerry was born February 14th, 1950, in Amherst, Texas, the son of the late Marion Gail Hoover and Betty Irene (Atchison) Hoover. He spent his childhood in Texas, growing up on a cotton farm that shaped him into the hardworking man he became. Jerry graduated from Seagraves High School, in 1969, then went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Jacquetta J. Patterson in November of that same year. They were together for over 20 years. June of 1970, they welcomed their first daughter, Christy, and then their second daughter, Amy, was born in May 1974. Jerry enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating and did two tours in Vietnam, the start of his lifelong military career. He and his family were stationed at several military based locations, including North Carolina, Kentucky, Hawaii, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, finally settling in Elgin, Oklahoma. Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Army for over 23 years, with U.S. Special Forces, Army Rangers, and in the 82nd Airborne being among some of his proudest military experiences, eventually retiring with the rank of Major. After retirement, Jerry relocated to El Salvador, where he met Eva T. Rivera. The two of them married in 1992, eventually relocating to Ridgley, West Virginia, where they were both professors at the Alegany College of Maryland for several years. Jerry was preceded in death by his brother Donnie, who passed two days prior, and both his parents. Remaining to cherish Jerry’s memory are Eva Hoover, of the home; Daughters, Christy Tate and Amy Davis, and husband, Jim; Grandchildren, Cassie Garcia and husband Stephen, and Alison Tate, Brendan and Breanna Timmons; Great grandsons, Lucas, Kaiden, Derek, and Jackson; brother Mike Hoover and wife Jan, several nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. A memorial service will be held at The First Baptist Church in Seagraves, Texas at 2 p.m., Friday, March 14th.