James David “Dave” Hoffman

November 8, 2013

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. (2 Timothy 4:7-8a)

James David “Dave” Hoffman of Cantonment, was received by his Lord and Savior into Heaven on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. He left this world peacefully while surrounded by members of his loving and loyal family and friends who were in prayer for him, and was greeted at the gates of Heaven by his many family members and friends who preceded his arrival.

Dave Hoffman was born December 15, 1931, and lived a joyful, busy, happy life filled with service to others and a dedication to his family that was unparalleled. Dave was there before anyone asked for help; his generosity and kindness to others was the daily service of this strong but humble man. He always had a smile and hug or handshake for everyone he met and people who know him watched out for his vise-like grip!

He retired from the United States Navy after serving 20 years from 1950 – 1970 and served during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War era. During his military career he received numerous honors including the National Defense, United Nations, and Korean Service Medals. After his retirement from the Navy he returned to Pensacola and worked for Flor Daniels Construction Company at the (then) Monsanto Plant until he retired for the second time. Dave was a great carpenter and gardener and many people in Pensacola were blessed by his precise, beautiful woodwork and offerings from his bountiful vegetable and rose gardens.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, David Felix and Renolda Hoffman of Taylor, Mississippi; his brother, Harry Paul Hoffman and brother-in-law Grover Kinney; son-in-law Walter Zittel; and grandson Roy (“Willie”) McCormick.

He is survived by his sweet and loving wife, Jane Hoffman (“Nana”) of 63 years and their four children, Lyn Zittel of Pensacola; Jim (Mary) Hoffman of Virginia Beach,VA; Jeff (Robyn) Hoffman; Janet Price (Dennis Foster) as well as K.C. (Susanne) Fehl, all of Cantonment. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bert (Felicia) Wynne, Emily & Savannah Price, Rebecca Zittel, Meagan & Matthew Hoffman, Jared & Trevor Hoffman, Kim Zurbay and Charles McCormick; as well as Kenny Paul Fehl; and his two great-granddaughters, Abigail and Allison Wynne. He also leaves his sister, Hazel Kinney and sister-in-law, Marilyn Hoffman both of Oxford, MS; his aunts, Iva Brown and Edna Hargrove; his brother-in-law, Virgil (Amy) Cooper of Birmingham and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, November 11, 2013 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Faith Chapel North in Cantonment.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel North in Cantonment, with Pastor Roy Chewning officiating.

Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:30 am.

Pallbearers will be Bert Wynne, Jared Hoffman, Trevor Hoffman, Kenny Paul Fehl and Robby Stoner.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Bailey, Windell Long, Charlie Lowery, Glen Norris, Clifford Stoner and the active Deacons of Gonzalez Baptist Church.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the arrangements.

Comments

One Response to “James David “Dave” Hoffman”

  1. Candy Knight on November 12th, 2013 3:29 pm

    Jan,
    I will be praying for your family!

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries