George Henry Hoffecker, 88

SMYRNA - George Henry Hoffecker, died peacefully in his home on Friday, Oct. 24, 2008. He was 88. Mr. Hoffecker was born Aug. 3, 1920 on his family's farm east of Smyrna, the son of the late Mildred and Harry Hoffecker. In his early years, he worked the farm, trapped muskrat and raccoon, and bought and sold furs. He also developed a love for the automobile. He would buy a car, repair and clean it, then sell it. He worked for a short time for Lee F. Slaughter Lincoln-Mercury in Smyrna before desiring to become his own boss. On Jan. 1, 1954 he founded George H. Hoffecker Inc., where he sold Studebaker-Packard. He later added International Trucks. In the late 1950's, he took on the Chrysler-Plymouth franchise, which he kept until 1968. From that point, used cars were his specialty. George was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Smyrna, and was a charter member of Dover Elks 1903. He was a former member of the Kent General Hospital Advisory Board; the Delaware Home and Hospital Advisory Board; Farmers Bank of Smyrna Advisory Board; Odd Fellows Lodge, Smyrna; and the Town of Smyrna Variance Committee. He was a member of numerous local and national auto dealer associations. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia in 2007. He is survived by two sons, Ronald Hoffecker, and Robert Hoffecker and his wife Sharon, all of Smyrna; a granddaughter, Kristi Wilson and her husband Mark, of Smyrna; two grandsons, Brian Hoffecker, of Smyrna, and Stephen Hoffecker, of Dover; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call from 5:30 p.m. until the time of services. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 702 B Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19805; or to Asbury United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 330, Smyrna, DE 19977. To send a letter of condolence, contact www.delmarvaobits.com. Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.