On Saturday, November 14, 2020, Billy Lyle Hoover, loving and humble Husband to Maryann (nee: Borowski) and Father of six children, was led into paradise by the hand of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 86, from pneumonia due to complications of covid-19. Although he was known for his stubbornness, he could not prevail in this battle, but he fought with Valor to the end, refusing to leave this world until he could say goodbye to his soulmate Maryann, their children, and grandchildren. Billy was born on August 11, 1934 in Potlatch, Idaho to Wesley, and Helen (nee: Morrow) Hoover. His parents later settled in Ontonagon, Michigan with their children; Dorothy, Earl, Elsie, Arlene, Billy and twins Bobby and Betty. Billy was raised with great love, respect, and honor for family; and he was close to all of his siblings. Billy left school in the eighth grade to help his father run their farm, and learned the value of hard work. He shared an especially close bond with his younger brother Bobby; so close in fact, they often made key life decisions together. When Billy joined the Army (1955-58), Bobby joined 4 days later, and served along- side him although they were stationed apart. When Billy married his sweetheart, and soulmate Maryann on August 25, 1956, Bobby married his life's dancing partner Jan, the same year and only months apart from his brother. When Billy and Bobby started their families, Billy and Maryann's first- born Debbie (1959) was only one day apart from Jimmy (1959), born to Bobby and Jan. Since Billy and Bobby lived in the same town of Racine, Wisconsin, with only blocks between them, Maryann and Jan gave birth at the same hospital, which turned out to be a very funny story between the two brothers as you can imagine. This continued over the years as the two brother's families grew, and after the last of their children were born in 1971, Bobby decided to move his family back home to Michigan to farm. Even though they were separated by miles, they remained close and visited each other often. At least once a year, every year, and during the hottest August summer heat mind you, Billy drove the eight- very- long- hours road trip up north to Ontonagon, Michigan to visit along with his wife and all six children, 5 Girls & 1 Boy. It was on these long car rides Billy taught his children how to do the "arm pump", which prompts the Long- Haul Trucker to blow his horn, and wave to the delight of us kids. Billy also played the same 8 track tape over and over all the way there, and all the way back. His children still know most of these song by heart to this day which included such hits as: "Please Help Me I'm Falling", "Tie a Yellow Ribbon", "Four Walls", and "Green, Green Grass of Home". Even though neither were aware of each other's quick, and tragic battle with covid-19, when Bobby passed unto eternal life on November 10, 2020, Billy followed only four days later, and both will be missed dearly by all of whom they left behind. Billy remained in Racine, Wisconsin his entire life working his union job at Perfix Manufacturing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Always the hard worker, he picked up a second job at Slater's Machine Shop, here in Racine where he retired as a very skilled Tool and Die maker. Billy loved to work with his hands, and continued to be a hard worker all his life and loved to whittle away the hours tinkering with various projects over the years, and never- ever let the grass go un-mowed. He loved to mow the grass so much, after retiring and in order to keep "a little cash in his pocket", he began mowing the Estate lawn of a close family friend who often said his lawn work looked better than the fanciest of golf courses. He passed this meticulous trait down to his only son, William. One thing was certain about Billy, if you needed anything, and I mean anything, he was sure to have it, and always gave willing never expecting anything in return. Billy was a dedicated Father, and wasted no time making up the time he missed while he was at work. Weekends were filled with laughter and love, and during the week after working two full- time shifts, he gave all his children a kiss on the forehead each night when he got home. Billy was a very kind, and generous man with a humble heart, had a twinkle in his eye, and a smile for everyone he met. Billy was never known to be selfish, always had a joke to tell, and he never considered anyone to be a stranger. Everyone was a friend. He waved to people walking down the road, and was always generous with advice. Christmas Eve was also very special to him; we always decorated the tree together as a family, and he always found happiness in giving just to see a smile, no matter what the gift. He also loved to show off his humorous side by capturing those smiles with a sneak attack "shot from the hip' with his camera that would blind us with the flash. Billy loved fishing, hunting and gardening; he did his best to teach all his children these life skills, but it was his son William, who became his fishing and hunting buddy, and they made many memories together over the years on their hunting trips to Gilman, Wisconsin where they stayed with his sister Arlene who spoiled her brother Billy, nephew William, and all her family of hunters with a Thanksgiving style meal every day they were there. Billy also loved "Bowling League Night" with our Mother, taking his children to the drive- in movies, and making all of us kids work for the change in his pocket whenever the Ice Cream Truck drove through the neighborhood. He also loved to cook, and never let us sleep in if he was making breakfast on the weekend for all of us. Billy loved to spend Saturday's listening to Johnny Cash, and Saturday nights watching Hee- Haw and The Grand Ole Opry, but Sunday's were reserved for Church and John Wayne movies. Billy's love for family was unprecedented, and this beautiful trait was passed down to his children, and grandchildren. Billy's Love for Family showed prominently in his Grandson Aragon and it broke his heart so immensely when he passed unexpectedly just weeks ago that he kept a crocheted pocket prayer from Aragon's funeral in his shirt pocket ever since. Billy's Love for his Sweetheart Maryann, was unfailing and they celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary this past August, and together they set a precedent for all to see by a shared commitment to honor their vows; "For Better, For Worse", "For Richer, For Poorer", "In Sickness and In Health", "Until Death Do Us Part". In the words of his soulmate Maryann, who began dating Billy when she was the tender age of 15, Billy was a faithful, devoted Husband; dedicated Father to their six children, and as she held his hand through his last moments here with us, she reminded him of these things, and then asked him not to walk too fast into the sunset because she would be following close behind, to which her true love mouthed back to her "I Love you", and held his hand to his heart. Billy is survived by his sweetheart and soulmate Maryann, and their six children, Debbie, Jackie (Mark Engel), Theresa, Kris, Kelly, and William; Grandchildren, Cory, Nick, Shaun, Jenni, Tyler, Amy (Justin), Anthony, Jacob (Kelsey), Matthew, Joshua, and Granddaughter- In- Law Teri; Great- Grandchildren, Ethan. Nia, Cole, Aiden, Jenna, Isaiah, Jayden, Peyton, Amelia, and Owen; Step- Grandchildren, Angie, Alicia, Annette, Ana, Jamie, Travis, Kerah, Amanda, and Antonio; and many more Step- Grandchildren; and Step- Great- Grandchildren.Billy is further survived by two of his sisters, Elsie, and Betty, In- Law's Jeanette (Jack Eilers), Shirley, Maxine, and Russell, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great- nieces, nephews and long- time family friends, Danny, Ron, Sis, Deanna, and Tracy. Billy was preceded in death by his grandsons Ryan, and Aragon. He was also preceded in death by his Mother and Father, sisters Dorothy, and Arlene, his brothers Earl, and Bobby, Mother- In-Law Bernice, In- Laws Marvin, Joe, Donny, Wally, Johnny (Jean), Nan, cousins, nieces, nephews, and long- time family friends, Sean, and Evan. Due to the current COVID pandemic, a private family service will be held at Saint Mary's Church on the Lake. Inurnment will take place with full Military Honors at Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date during the summer when it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers Memorials to the family have been suggested or plant a tree in Billy's memory.The Family would like to Thank the Hero's at Ascension Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin for their care and special attention while treating Billy, along with a very "Special Thanks" going out to Tracy, our Hero Nurse, and long- time family friend who checked in on our parents while at Ascension when we could not be there, which made them feel safe, and loved. We would also like to thank Seasons Hospice in Oak Creek for allowing us to say our goodbyes, and making Billy as comfortable as possible during his last breaths, and final hours.In Billy's words, Be Good, Be Kind to all, Offer a helping hand to those in need, Treat your neighbors as you would have them treat you, Love as if your heart were on your sleeve for all to see, and Always remember to give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May We Meet Again.A Note from Billy's Children:A Father is neither an Anchor to hold us back, Nor a Sail to take us there; He is a Guiding Light whose Love shows us the way.