Roy Bobby Hovermale
1936-2026
Roy Bobby Hovermale was born December 11, 1936 on Highland Ridge in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. He passed from this life into his forever eternity on June 4, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones. He was under the care of Dr. Andrew Berens and had daily care from his granddaughters, Buffy, Ashley and Amarie, along with a few special employees, family and friends.
He was a devoted husband of 71 years and is survived by the love of his life, Betty Lou McCoy Hovermale. He was a loving father to his children, Cindy Hovermale and Wesley McCoy. He was preceded in death by his three other children and a son-in-law, Theresa Ferguson, Kim “Hoppy” Hovermale, Denise Omps and David Omps. He was also preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Hovermale and Elsie Viola Hovermale, along with all of his siblings, Melvin Hovermale, Carl Hovermale, Janie Sirbaugh, Mamie Stotler, Mazie Orndorff and Connie French. He has 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and all the kids and families he brought into his home to offer his love and guidance.
Roy was a past master and 50 year member of Deford Lodge #88 A.F. & A.M. in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. He was an Ali Ghan Shriner. He was a past worthy patron of Berkeley Chapter #77 Order of the Eastern Star. He was a long-standing member and lifetime supporter of Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Department. He was a 36 year member of the WV Farm Bureau.
Roy worked for Western Union and General Motors. In 1965 he bought a small gas station on the corner of Rt. 9 and 522 and built it into the pillar of the Berkeley Springs community. He was a Christian and loved his Finding Grace church family. Some of his favorite past times were going to his cabin to mow and get his “John Deere Therapy.” He took all of his grandchildren out to the cabin and taught us all how to work hard and built our foundation for the future. He loved hunting camp at the cabin with his buddies, but in his later years his hunting time was with his great granddaughter Amarie. He enjoyed going on rides to the cabin to go fishing with his great grandson Colby. He also looked forward to his rides every evening with his best friend Jimmy. He enjoyed NASCAR races and loved his chocolate milk.
As his health faded and he wasn’t able to do much, his joy came from sitting in his picture window waving and blowing kisses to his customers and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Warm Springs Middle School, 271 Warm Springs Way, Berkeley Springs, WV with Pastor Jack Hiles and Pastor Kenny Mason officiating. Burial with graveside masonic rites provided by Deford Lodge #88 A.F. & A.M. will be in Highland Cemetery, Berkeley Springs, WV.
The family will receive friends at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 1-3 and 5-7 p..m. The funeral home will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be an Eastern Star memorial service provided by Berkeley Chapter #77 Order of the Eastern Star on Wednesday evening at the funeral home at 7 p.m.
A reception will be held after the burial at Roy & Betty’s cabin, 607 McHenry Lane, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. which is off Posey Hollow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Finding Grace Church, 66 Honey Crest Court, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Highland Ridge Cemetery Association, c/o Brenda Ruddell, 404 Sugar Hollow Road, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 or to Deford Lodge #88 A.F. & A.M., 20 Swallow Court, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
