Captain J. William Hocker III, retired river boat pilot

Captain J. William Hocker III, 88, of Lewes, passed away Friday, July 21, 2017, at Cadbury at Lewes. He was born Sunday, Oct. 14, 1928, in Lewes, son of the late John W. Hocker Jr. and Theodosia (Marshall) Hocker.

Captain Hocker was a graduate of Lewes High School, Class of 1946 and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Following school, he proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Hocker pursued a lifelong career with the Delaware Pilots Association as a river boat pilot, retiring after 40-plus years. He was a former member of the board of directors for the Pilots Association. He also was a member of the Lewes Yacht Club and part of the Racing Committee, enjoying countless Sunday sailfish races.

In his free time, Mr. Hocker enjoyed golfing, lobstering, crabbing, fishing and anything on the water. More than anything, he enjoyed the time spent with his loving family.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hocker was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte in 2008; his son Timothy in 1996; and brother Thomas in 1990. He is survived by a sister, Margaret (Peggy) H. Lingo; his daughter, Diane H. Roth of Lewes; his two sons: John William Hocker IV and Cheryl of Rehoboth Beach, and Mark A. Hocker and his wife Patti of Lewes; his six grandchildren: Drew Adkins and his wife Sarah, Lauren Roth, Lindsey Atkins and her husband Jason, Billy Hocker and his wife Annie, Keith Hocker and Paige Hocker; and his five great-grandchildren: Will Hocker, Ali Adkins, Ashley Adkins, Shayna Smith, and Justin Atkins.

A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, July 27, at 11 a.m., at Lewes Presbyterian Cemetery, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes. A Viewing will be held Wednesday, July 26, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call between 6 and 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hocker's memory to the Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, or the Cadbury Foundation, 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE 19958.

Visit Mr. Hocker's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.