Mr. William Robert Hoosier

William Robert Hoosier departed this life on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Ballad Johnson City Medical Center. He was born on March 30, 1932, in Clarksville, Tennessee, the only child of the late Jessie and Elnora Holland Hoosier. At an early age, his mother and other relatives moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended Austin High School and held leadership positions there during his junior and senior years. After William Robert graduated in 1950, he attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He attended the American University in Washington, D.C., for graduate school to study toward a master's degree. Additionally, he took courses at the U.S. Department of Architecture Graduate School. During the Korean War conflict, William Robert served in the U.S. Army from 1954 until 1956. He received a Medical Service Award from the U.S. Army for his efforts. Upon retirement, he moved to Washington, D.C., to begin a career with the Government of the District of Columbia. In more than 32 years of service to the Government, William Robert received several outstanding employee service awards. After retirement, he was a certified travel agent for several travel agencies for over 20 years. It was in 1958 that William Robert met the love of his life, Vera L. Vaught Hoosier of Johnson City, Tennessee. Their love story culminated in a joyous union on December 26, 1959. Their bond was strong and enduring, lasting almost 52 years until Vera's passing on December 1, 2011. Despite not having children, they showered their nephews and nieces with love and care, serving as surrogate parents. William Robert and Vera enjoyed life together and loved to travel. They explored the world together, visiting numerous Caribbean Islands, Bermuda, Jamaica, and Canada. They embarked on many cruises, each one a new adventure. They even enjoyed a 15-day travel tour of Europe, immersing themselves in its rich culture. Their love for travel extended to their own country as they journeyed to various states in America as part of the Swift Memorial Jr. College Reunion. He also enjoyed reading and watching sports. William Robert was a man of God. He was a lifetime member of the AME Zion denomination and was a servant of John Wesley AME Zion Church for over 45 years. William was an avid volunteer, serving with many different organizations. He served all leadership positions with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Troop 536, served as President of the Son of Varick Club at John Wesley AME Zion Church, served as a member of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, 4A(ANC), and the Shepherd Park Civic Association. He was a valued charter member of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Chapter of Tennessee State University (TSU) Alumni Association, and held numerous leadership positions and most notably served on the student recruitment committee team enthusiastically encouraging youth to consider TSU as their college choice. He was a proud 60+ years member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was initiated in the Rho Psi chapter at TSU. William Robert was loved and respected by everyone who knew him: family, friends, alumni, fraternity brothers, church members, the youth he served, and so many others. His kindness, dedication, loving spirit, and gentleness will forever be remembered. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.

Mr. William Robert Hoosier

March 30, 1932 - May 11, 2024