Victor M. Hovis

Mr. Victor M. Hovis age 85 of Kingston,TN passed away Friday January 12,2007 at Baptist Hospital in Knoxville. Mr. Hovis was born in Lamar, CO, the son of Victor Moody Hovis, Sr. and Joy Olsson Hovis. The family later moved to Montgomery, AL, and Mr. Hovis received Christ around the age of 12. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 as a member of the Special Engineer Detachment under the Manhattan Project, stationed in Oak Ridge, TN. Graduating from the Georgia School of Technology (Georgia Tech) in 1948 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree, he married Clara T. Davis of Ashville, NC, on February 5, 1949, and the couple eventually settled in Kingston, TN. Mr. Hovis was employed by Union Carbide Nuclear Corp. in their Oak Ridge facilities as a Development Engineer where, during a 30 year career, he was granted numerous patents for innovations related to his work. After retiring from Oak Ridge in 1980, he continued to work as a consulting engineer in private practice until declining health finally forced his permanent retirement. Mr. Hovis was a member of the First Baptist Church, Kingston, TN, where he served as a Sunday school Teacher, Deacon, and member of the building committee which oversaw construction of the present sanctuary. He was also a member of Union Lodge No. 38, F&AM, and the Knoxville Scottish Rite Temple. As a member of Union Lodge No. 38, he held numerous offices and served as Worshipful Master in 1964 and also in 1971 when the Lodge celebrated its 150th anniversary. He contributed to the publishing of a special October, 1971, edition of the Roane County News which commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Lodge, writing several articles which appeared in that edition. He also served as the architect and engineer for the construction of the present Lodge Hall, located on Spring Street in Kingston. In addition, he was instrumental in organizing the Cherokee School PTA, serving as its first president. Mr. Hovis was a devoted husband, loving father, and community servant. Believing greatly in the concepts of community and community service, he nevertheless retained a strong tendency towards rugged individualism. He was insatiably curious about the world around him and was never satisfied with the status quo. He enriched the lives of all who knew him well, and he will be greatly missed. Survivors: Wife Clara Hovis Sons and Daughters-in-law: Arthur and Dianne Hovis of Knoxville,TN and Victor III and Beulah Hovis of New Market, TN. Granddaughter Rachel Hovis of Louisville, KY Step Grandchildren: Lisa and Michael Tate of Knoxville, TN, Heather and Terrence Guyton of Hampton, GA, Kyle and Rachell McDermott of Baltimore, MD, David and Audra Blackson of Augusta ,ME. 3 Great Grandchildren Funeral 7pm Tuesday January 16, 2007 in the Kyker Chapel with Reverned Charles Sherrill officiating followed by a Masonic Memorial Service conducted by Union Lodge 38 F&AM. Burial 2pm Wednesday January 17, 2007 at Roane Memorial Gardens with Military Honors by The Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7pm Tuesday at the Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston.

Victor M. Hovis

August 5, 1921 - January 12, 2007