Clair Leroy Hovis

Clair Leroy Hovis, Jr. Clair Leroy Hovis, Jr., 79, of Palm Hill Road, Polk, passed away unexpectedly at his residence, Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 9:26 p.m. Born October 29, 1932 in Coal City, he was the son of the late Clair Leroy Sr. and Ada Hart Hovis. He was married to the former Barbara L. McFetridge on January 27, 1956, and she preceded him in death on October 9, 2011. Clair was a Korean War Veteran having served in the United States Army from 1953 until 1955. While in the army, he was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. Clair retired from Joy Manufacturing after working there for 37 years as a foreman and an excellent machinist. He was able to operate every machine at Joy and trained many workers. Clair was a member of Polk United Methodist Church and Triliby United Methodist Church in Dade, Florida. Clair was known as a "coupon king". He was a devoted motorcycle rider , having traveled throughout the United States (every state except Alaska) and Canada with his wife, and was a member of the Keystone Wings Motorcycle Club. He loved watching racing and NASCAR. Clair was known to many as "Bob" or "Hump," and was highly respected and loved by all who knew him. He was a beloved father and grandfather and enjoyed all the times he spent with his family. Clair is survived by his sons, Edwin C. Hovis and his wife, Lupita, of Adairsville, Georgia, Randy L. Hovis of Hawaii, Jeffrey L. Hovis of Franklin, Danny J. Hovis, of Shannon, Georgia, and Lanny J. Hovis and his wife, Roberta, of Franklin; and his daughter, Wanda Renee' Campbell and her husband, Francis, of Clarion. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Gracie Wentz and her husband, James, of Summerville, South Carolina. In addition to his parents and wife, Clair was preceded in death by his grandson, T.J. Hovis; his brother, Duane Hovis; and his sister, Marilyn Lovett. Family and friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc. 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services for Clair will be held on Sunday, July 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home with Rev. Leah Guiney, pastor of Polk United Methodist Church, and Rev. Daryl Adams, retired Methodist minister, co-officiating. Interment will be in Old Sandy Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Polk United Methodist Church. To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or to obtain further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.