John Ashby Hoffman
John Ashby Hoffman Sr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, just shy of his 92nd birthday. He was the beloved son of William and Mary Hoffman and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his four siblings and son in-law, Robert W. Elliott John is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Maude H. Hoffman, and their five children: Mary (Charles) Campbell, Deborah Elliott (John Schneider), John (Cameron) Hoffman Jr., Christopher (Angela) Hoffman, and Karen (Christopher) Oudekerk. He was also the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. John's life was defined by his unwavering love for his family and his passion for sports. As a high school athlete, he developed a lifelong love for competition and camaraderie, which he carried into his adulthood. After serving in the Army, John graduated from Virginia Tech, where he met his wife, Maude. Together, they embarked on a shared journey of raising five children, guiding them through countless family activities, including Indian Guides, ballet performances, and sports events. Their family vacations, often filled with adventure, were memorable camping trips and time spent at home on Smith Mountain Lake or at the beach. John found great joy in his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known for, his love for babies, and his joy when surrounded by his grandchildren. The lake became a special place for him to spend time with them, where they could be found fishing from the dock, boating, and paddling the canoe. Big family trips to the beach were also treasured moments, where the whole family could spend time together John spent many years working for Coca-Cola, where his career allowed him to travel the world. Once retired, he continued explore new places with Maude by his side. Among the many adventures they shared was a memorable safari in Africa and a trip around the world that included Japan for the birth of a grandchild. Music was a constant companion in John’s life. He had a special affinity for big band music, and everyone wanted a chance to dance with him at family events. He and Maude had great times and made many friends while square dancing. John’s legacy is one of deep love for his family, a zest for life, and an appreciation for the simple joys that made each day special. He will be missed dearly but will forever be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him. A Funeral Mass will be held in John’s honor on January 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Blacksburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of choice in his memory. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and music that brought him so much joy throughout his life.
