Arthur Boyd “A.B.” Hoback, 90, passed away at his home in Salem on Monday, October 23, 2017.
A.B. was raised in Wythe County. A graduate of Rural Retreat High School, he missed his graduation ceremony in 1945 because Uncle Sam requested his service in the U.S. Army once he turned 18. He was stationed in France, working with The Stars and Stripes military newspaper. After his discharge, he returned to Virginia and worked for 20 years for the Virginia Division of Forestry. He retired from the City of Salem, having worked in the automotive maintenance shop there for over 18 years. A.B. was a member of the Salem Rescue Squad since 1952, and was inducted as a Life Member in 1975. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and small engines, supported Salem High School football, and liked to watch baseball and Nascar racing.
A.B. was married to Clarissa “Peggy” for 57 years, until her passing in 2009. They were members of Central United Methodist Church in Salem since its inception in the 1950s.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Rodney Overstreet; grandson, Matthew Overstreet; granddaughter, Katie Fralin and her husband, Shaun; and the apple of his eye, great-granddaughter, Kinsley Fralin.
The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2017 at the funeral home with Rev. Bryan Buckles officiating. An interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salem Rescue Squad or Central United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.