Harvey Lewis Hotinger Jr., age 91, of Lexington passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Martha Anne Rodgers Hotinger; his brother, Harold Rice Hotinger; and sister, Josephine Hotinger McCown.
He is survived by his two sons with Martha, Harvey Lewis Hotinger III (Janet), and James McCrea Hotinger (Alicia); his current wife, Rhunelle Jones Hotinger, mother of his two stepchildren, Roark Jones (Pam) and Erin Jones Morgart (Drew). He was blessed with two grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
Harvey was born on Kerrs Creek and grew up on the family farm where he began his life of service to the community and those in need. He graduated from Virginia Tech as an engineer and began his service in the United States Army with the Nike/Ajax missile systems.
Upon his honorable discharge, he renewed his commitment to local community service when he came back to Fairfield to teach algebra at the high school.
Subsequently, Harvey bought his first country store in Glenvar. He delivered groceries to people that struggled to get there, and carried some accounts for others who needed assistance.
His employment path led him to the Norfolk and Western Railway where he retired in 1987.
Everyone that knew Harvey, knew that he was a man of the earth, always working in his garden or with the fruit trees. He enjoyed sharing the bounty of his flourishing garden with everyone, giving away thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables to friends and neighbors. He became a beekeeper, giving away honey, and even helped others catch bee swarms or taught them to raise bees.
During retirement, he crewed balloons on Independence Day, helped the Ruritan Club with barbequing chickens, surveyed New Monmouth Church’s cemetery, volunteered at blood drives, and helped many in the community.
Harvey shared his devout faith with everyone, teaching Sunday school for more than 50 years. When people stopped by to see him and his wife, he shared his thoughts with them, offering guidance, comfort and succor as needed.
When he felt that he could support his county, he got elected to the Board of Supervisors, and served as a commissioner on the Planning Commission.
Harvey always worked to improve the quality of life for everyone he met. No stranger ever existed in his life. He never worked for accolades or recognition; instead, it was because his faith and love of community required it. Harvey touched many lives throughout his 91 years, and he will be sorely missed.
His memorial service will be held at New Monmouth Church on Feb. 18 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, he requested donations for New Monmouth Presbyterian Church or Rockbridge Area Hospice.
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