My grandfather, Reverend William Harvey Hoover, went to be with God on Wednesday, November 29, 2006.

My grandfather was only about five and half feet tall (he had shrunk over the years because of blown disks in his back and other ailments), but his presence made him seem more than 7 feet tall. He was a coal miner for many years and suffered from black lung as a result.

He was a hero. He fought in WWII. His army unit fought on the ground in Japan and he was one of the “lucky” ones that came home alive.

He was also a preacher. He touched so many lives over the years and it showed at his funeral. People came from near and far to honor and remember this Godly man that loved the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind.

He leaves behind a legacy of Godly children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed, but I know that he would not come back from where he is right now. He is looking down on us and believing that one day we will join him in heaven.

Thank you Pap for loving us and leading us in the paths of righteousness. You will be missed.