Obituary of John Harold Hovis

John Harold Hovis, husband and father, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Monday, August 14, 2023. He was 87 years old.

John was born in March of 1936 to Harold C. and Johnnie Q. Hovis in Charlotte, NC. He lived out all of his 87 years on the same property in Charlotte. In childhood, he had two very special cousins who were like sisters to him, Charlotte Burgess of Wilmington, NC and Rebecca Willard of Matthews, NC. He was a graduate of East Mecklenburg High School in 1954. John met the love of his life Elizabeth Lehto through his cousin Charlotte, and they were married in December of 1960 in York, SC. They were married for 62 years. They had two daughters together, Lisa and Lara.

John was self-employed. He worked for, owned and sold two businesses: Hovis Radiator and Carolina Cooling Supply. On the weekends when his children were younger, he loved to fish on his bass boat in Lake Wylie, SC. On his yearly 1 or 2 vacation days off, he joined his family on their weekly stay at the beach. After retiring, John learned how to play the game he loved to watch on television—GOLF! Over the years he met many new friends who enjoyed playing golf. Their love of the game took them on annual golf trips. John also enjoyed Square Dancing with his wife under a Square Dance Caller who was his friend from grade school. Later in life, he and his wife enjoyed their Saturday evenings that consisted of dinner following with games, with a very special couple.

John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Hovis, daughter Lisa Hovis, daughter Lara Hovis (formerly Lara Abell), sister-in-law Bonnie Stephenson of Mullins, SC, sister-in-law Carolyn Allen Lehto of Manning, SC, many cousins, nephews, and one niece.

On Saturday, August 19, 2023, Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home located at 1111 East Boulevard in Charlotte, NC 28203 will host a Visitation from 10 AM - 11 AM. A Memorial Service will follow in their Chapel at 11 AM. Afterwards a Graveside Service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park located on 5716 Monroe Road Charlotte, NC 28212. Guests are then invited back to Hankins and Whittington for a luncheon.

Memorials can be made in his honor to Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hills located in Charlotte, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.