Ralph J. Hockman, 75


Ralph Jennings Hockman, 75, of Penn Laird, passed away Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg.

Mr. Hockman was born July 6, 1935, in Harrisonburg, and was a son of the late Albert and Elsie Louise (Charlton) Hockman.

Ralph worked as a self-employed brick mason for many years and also worked for Nielsen Construction. He was an avid hunter and fisher and was a member of the Rockingham Bow Club in Keezletown. He was also a member of the Victory Temple Church. Mr. Hockman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to all.

On Jan. 5, 1956, he married Willie Dale Evans, who survives.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Hockman is survived by six daughters, Patricia Ann Raynes and husband, Terry, of Penn Laird, Diane L. Kyger and husband, Danny, of Penn Laird, Betty L. Crawford and husband, Steve, of Penn Laird, Sharon K. Stroupe and husband, Michael, of Penn Laird, Beverly Shifflett of Penn Laird, and Jeannie Shifflett and companion, Alvin E. Stanfield, of Elkton; a son, Ronald Jennings "R.J." Mace of Penn Laird; a sister, Betty Lou Smith and husband, Eugene, of Harrisburg, Pa.; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; two nieces, Melissa J. Keefer, and Amy J. Burkholder; two nephews, Eugene R. Smith Jr. and Ralph R. Smith; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his guardians, Pearl and John Garber; a nephew, Paul D. Smith; and his grandmother, Grammy Charlton.

Funeral services will be held on Monday Sept. 20, 2010, at 12 noon at Victory Temple Church near Harrisonburg with the Rev. Arnold Repass officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens near Harrisonburg. The Hockman family will receive friends Saturday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or by visiting www.stjude.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kygers.com.

Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.