Billy McLane Hooven, affectionately known as “Bill,” “Daddy,” "Papa" and "Poppy," passed away surrounded by his family on June 11, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina, at the age of 82. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Thursday, June 18, 2026 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson. Funeral Services will be 11:00AM Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. Officiating will be Elders David Cothren and E. W. Hooven. A Private Family Committal Service will follow with Military Honors.

Born on February 16, 1944, in Elk Horn, West Virginia, Billy lived a life defined by faith, hard work, devotion to family, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

Billy proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an airplane mechanic. The discipline, dedication, and work ethic he developed during his military service remained evident throughout his life.

Following his time in the Navy, Billy built a career as a Construction Superintendent, earning the respect of coworkers and friends alike through his intelligence, dependability, and commitment to doing a job well. He later owned and operated Bill's Small Engines, where his gift for repairing just about any type of machine became well known throughout the community. He often did work for free to those who encountered hardship.

A devoted member of Angier Primitive Baptist Church, Billy's Primitive Baptist faith guided the way he lived and loved. He was smart, loyal, hardworking, and deeply dedicated to his family. He possessed a dry sense of humor and rarely passed up an opportunity to tease the people he cared about most. If he gave you a hard time, you could be sure you had a special place in his heart.

Over the years, Billy enjoyed fishing, golfing, collecting coins and knives, and keeping his hands busy fixing, repairing, and tinkering with whatever needed attention.

More than anything, Billy loved his family fiercely. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Paula Hooven; his children, Billy Hooven Jr. and Cherry, DeShannon Burns and her husband, Mark, Billy Hooven and his wife, Jodi, and Jesse Hooven and his wife, Sara. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Mark Hooven; Shawn Hooven and his wife, Sydney; Abigail Stone and her husband, Will; Alyssa Burns; Gabriel Stone and his wife, Ally; Zane Hooven; and Lucy Hooven. One great grandchild; Bristol Hooven. He is also survived by his brothers, E.W. Hooven and Bobby Hooven.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Earsel Hooven and Pansy Collier.

To his grandchildren, Papa was a true source of love.

Though his hands have been laid to rest, the legacy they built and the love they shared will endure in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to Angier Primitive Baptist Church.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.