U.S. Army Retired Sergeant and Congressional Gold Medal Recipient, William Hocking, known to his friends as Willy, age 98, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, in Plano, Texas. He was born on August 30, 1926, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, U.S.A., where he also married his wife of 57 years, Edith Iris Hocking. Willy was a highly decorated veteran who proudly served the United States of America for 27 years. His service includes a deployment to the Korean War as a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment A.k.a. the Borinqueneers, and two deployments to the Vietnam War. After retiring from the U.S. Army, he worked for Digital Corporation as a manager for over 10 years. Thereafter, together with his wife, he owned and operated Esther Novelty Shop, an arts and crafts store in Aguadilla, P.R. One of his many talents included making stained glass with one of his stained-glass pieces gracing a Catholic Church near his former residence in Puerto Rico. He enjoyed drawing, painting, woodworking, and was known as a master in repairing all sorts of electronics. Willy was an avid bowler, who happily displayed his trophies in his TV room, the original man cave. He also loved baseball, a passion that began during his early childhood in Puerto Rico. Initially a Yankees fan, he later became a Rangers fan with his daughters in Texas.
Willy loved his daughters deeply and proudly shared their accomplishments and talents with everyone, at all times. As a loving father and grandfather, he played an active role in the lives of his daughters and grandchildren teaching them how to bowl, fish, play chess and many other secret tricks. He also coached his daughter Ileana in track at an early age and happily accompanied her to various international competitions. Most notably, he was with her when she competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics which made him immensely proud. Willy loved dogs, including all of the family dogs who loved him back two-fold. His last dog Jobos, a blessing in disguise who became his inseparable companion, no doubt greeted him with overwhelming joy at the Rainbow Bridge.
Willy’s character, humor and loving personality made him a legend who will be dearly missed by all he knew. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us to smile and bring joy to those around us.
Willy is survived and missed by his daughters, Dr. Emma Hocking, PhD and spouse Dr. Manuel Ramirez, PhD, Wilma Hocking DeVoe and spouse Captain Kenneth DeVoe, Ileana Hocking, Karem Hocking, and Brigitte Hocking, Esq. and spouse Lionel Cortez.
He will forever be cherished and remembered by his nine grandchildren, Haize, David, William, Sean, Analisa, Emma, Laura, Marta, and Aria, and by his two great granddaughters, Mia, and Indie. His memory will be cherished by his brother-in-law Adrian Garcia and his spouse Josefita, as well as by numerous friends, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Willy was predeceased by his wife, Edith Iris Hocking, his father Richard Hocking, his beloved stepmother Providencia D.R. Ramirez (“Cencia”), his mother Julia Aponte, and his sisters Marina, Josefa, Laura, Martha, and Emma Hocking.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 8520 Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75033 with a rosary service to begin at 6:00 p.m.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saving Hope Animal Rescue at https://www.savinghoperescue.org/