Don Hoyle

Larry Donald Hoyle, age 88, of Woodbridge, Virginia (formerly of Harrisburg, Mooresville, Chapel Hill, and Lake Lure, North Carolina) passed away on January 19, 2024 at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, Virginia. Don, a former teacher, principal, and school board member in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, was beloved by so many. A man of great faith, resolute character, and perpetual kindness for everyone he ever knew, Don lived a life of honesty and care for his fellow man.

Born October 10th, 1935 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to Max Chivous and Julia Ellen Hoyle, Don was raised in Henrietta, Rutherford County, until he attended Lenior-Rhyne College in Hickory, North Carolina for undergraduate studies. There, he met his wife of 66 years, Glenda (Poston) Hoyle, where on February 23, 1958, they went on their first date (and 30 years later, to the day, their first grandchild would be born). Married on November 23, 1958 at First Baptist Church in Mooresville, North Carolina, they lived for many years at their home on Hickory Ridge Road in Harrisburg, North Carolina. In 1997, they returned to Lake Lure, North Carolina to purchase their dream home, splitting their time between there and Harrisburg. Don’s favorite pastime was golf in his retirement, and he was a member of several golf clubs in Lake Lure. When he wasn’t golfing, he was serving the Harrisburg Lions Club as a longtime member, working in his massive garden, or giving back to Cabarrus County Schools, where even after he retired from politics, he would come back and serve the board on an ad hoc basis. He and Glenda also had a home in Chapel Hill, where he was an usher for years at his beloved Dean Smith Center. He was a lifelong member of the Rams Club, and donated to the new Athletic Center, where he has his name on the plaque as a Super Ram donor. He was a dedicated supporter of the Tarheel football team, win or lose, and was a season ticket holder for nearly 40 years. In his early years as a coach, Don took his teams to a football game. Don was also known for his perfect yard, his multiple Chryslers in the driveway, and his love of church (Rocky River Presbyterian and Triplett Methodist).

Education was Don’s passion. After earning a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Don became a principal, serving at many schools in Cabarrus County. Besides his multiple successful school board campaigns, he was most well-known for overseeing the start of the first integrated Head Start Program in the state of North Carolina. Don believed that every child, regardless of race or background, deserved the best educational opportunities, and he practiced what he preached every day of his career and service. He was a passionate advocate of children with special needs. In addition to being a teacher, Don also coached football and basketball at Harrisburg Junior High School.

In his final years, Don and Glenda relocated to Woodbridge, Virginia, and spent the years together with their daughter, Kim, who was his primary caretaker. Despite being initially hesitant to leave North Carolina, Don found great joy in spending time with his great-grandson, Mason James, eating out around Washington DC, and celebrating with his friends and neighbors on Delaney Road.

Don is survived by his wife, Glenda, of Woodbridge, Virginia; daughters Kimberly Hoyle of Woodbridge, Virginia and Kelly Hoyle Tovornik (Frank, husband) of Easley, South Carolina; grandchildren, Brian Michael Hoyle of Montclair, Virginia and Laura Beth Hoyle Mattson (James, husband) of Norfolk, Virginia; and great-grandson, Mason James Hoyle of Montclair, Virginia. He is also survived by his beloved border collie, Buster, age 18.

Visitation will be held at Wilkinson Funeral Home, Concord, North Carolina on Friday , January 26, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 pm. A graveside service will be held the following day on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Glenwood Memorial Park, Mooresville, North Carolina. The family invites all who would like to pay their respects to wear “Carolina Blue” colors in honor of Don’s beloved Tar Heels.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s memory to The Cabarrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), P.O. Box 388, Concord, North Carolina, 28026, or online at www.ccefnc.org.