Heyward Hampton Hoover, Jr.

Heyward Hampton Hoover, Jr., 92, of Warner Robins, Georgia, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Heyward lived a life defined by faith, service, and unwavering love for his family.

Born on May 25, 1935, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Heyward Hampton Hoover, Sr. and Evelyn Walkup Hoover, Heyward was raised with strong values that guided him throughout his life. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction that foreshadowed his lifelong dedication to leadership and service. He graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School in 1955, where he was active in his church, Boy Scouts, and the school band.

Heyward pursued higher education at the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation in 1959, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished career that spanned decades. His first assignment took him to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he served a four-year tour as an electronics instructor in radar maintenance and helped establish the initial Officers Computer Course upon completion of IBM training in Kingston, N.Y. It was in Biloxi that he met the love of his life, Jennie, who was working as the Pastor’s secretary at First Baptist Church. Their love story flourished, leading to a 66-year marriage centered on faith, commitment, and family.

Heyward’s Air Force career took his growing family around the world, including a three-year tour in Frankfurt, Germany, where he was assigned to the European Security Region of the Air Force Security Service. His work took him to various locations across Europe and beyond, including Germany, Italy, Crete, Turkey, and Pakistan. While stationed in Frankfurt, he earned his first Master’s Degree in Aerospace Operations Management from the University of Southern California.

Following his overseas service, Heyward continued his career stateside, taking on assignments in New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri. He and Jennie welcomed four sons—Heyward III “Herb”, Peter “Marty”, Jeffrey “Jeff”, and Daniel—who were the pride of his life. His deep commitment to his sons was evident in his unwavering support and guidance, particularly in their journey to becoming Eagle Scouts, a testament to the values he instilled in them.

In 1979, Heyward transitioned to civilian service at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia, where he worked as an Electronics Engineer while continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserves, retiring from the Air Force in 1995 with 23 years of military service. While at Robins AFB, he earned a Master of Business Administration Degree from Georgia College and State University in 1984. Heyward retired from Civil Service on January 2, 2001, with a total of 42 years government service.

Heyward’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. A devoted member of Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins, he was actively involved in Sunday School and music ministry. He had a remarkable vocal talent and found great joy in singing gospel music, whether performing in quartets, leading music in his Sunday School class, or singing at weddings and church services.

His faith also led him to serve with the Gideons International, spreading the Word of God to others. 

Heyward's greatest passion was his family. He was a steadfast and loving husband, a dedicated father who prioritized his children above all else, and a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Austin, Julia, Caroline, Sam, Graham, Cameron, Bo, Whitney, Josie, and Colby. Even in retirement, he continued to put family first, caring for Jennie's mother, Lola Lea, in their home for nine years as she battled Alzheimer's.

Heyward was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the South Carolina Gamecocks, but his greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He lived by example, showing his children and grandchildren the power of faith, love, and selfless devotion. His legacy of integrity, kindness, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Heyward H. Hoover, Sr. and Evelyn Walkup Hoover, as well as his stepfather, Ken Westman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie S. Hoover; his sons and daughters-in-law, Heyward "Herb" and Leslie Hoover, Peter "Marty and Cathy Hoover, Jeffrey "Jeff' Hoover, and Daniel and Bonnie Hoover; and his ten adored grandchildren: Austin (& Megan), Julia, Caroline (& Seth), Sam (& Kara), Graham, Cameron, Whitney, Bo, Josie, and Colby.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with a funeral service immediately following in the chapel. Afterward, Heyward will be laid to rest in Parkway Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Tunnels for Towers Foundation in his honor.

His life was a testament to faith, family, and service. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of love and devotion will endure for generations to come.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.