McMinnville resident Harold Hoover, 95, was born Nov. 28, 1929 in Viola Tennessee and died Jan. 21, 2025 after a brief illness. 

Harold married the love of his life, Emma Jean Nelson, on Nov. 29, 1947. After a three-year stint in the Army, Harold returned home to Viola where he opened several small businesses including a laundry and grocery store and later founded the Harold R. Hoover Trucking Company where he worked until his retirement. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and proud to be a member of the Ezel Masonic Lodge #381 F&AM and served as a deacon at the Westwood Church of Christ. 

Harold had a generous spirit and never met a stranger. No matter how busy he was, he always made time to help others. After retirement, he delivered Meals on Wheels which he often supplemented with vegetables from his own garden. All his life Harold was true to his values of hard work, loyalty to friends, and devotion to family. 

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Alton Hoover and Cora Bell Crawley Hoover; his sister, Alene Southard; and brother, James “Ed” Hoover.

He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Emma Jean Hoover, and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 in High’s Chapel with Michael Rowland officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Warren County. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at High’s. A masonic service will take place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in High’s Parlor. 

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) Jan. 24, 2025