Obituary for Hoite McGill Sullivan
Hoite McGill Sullivan, 88, of Pulaski, VA, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2019. Born August 28, 1931, in Pulaski, to James Edward Sullivan and Elizabeth (Black) Sullivan, the youngest of their thirteen children. Growing up he was a prankster, known for toppling outhouses and even derailing a coal train. He served his country as a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning from Korea, he entered the newspaper business and was employed by newspapers in Charleston, SC, Newport News, VA, and Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Margaret, were the proud owners of Merle Norman Cosmetics Studios in Dale City, VA, Woodbridge, VA, and Kingstree, SC. Best remembered, locally, as the owner and operator of Quick Shop Market and Sel-Rite Grocery in Pulaski. He was a faithful member of the Fort Chiswell Church of Christ, where he also served as an Elder.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Margaret Gregory Sullivan, six brothers, Robert, Richard, George, John William (Bill), and Eugene (Oscar); and six sisters Elsie S. Ryan, Daisy S. Helvey Edna S. Howell, Lou S. Stoots, Ruby S. Rumley, Margaret S. Bentley, and Mildred V. Sullivan.
He is survived by his firstborn son, and namesake, Kenneth McGill Sullivan and wife Lisa Brown Sullivan, of Dublin, Va., his only daughter, and the light of his life, Melanie Tanya (Sullivan) Upton and husband Jim, of Abingdon, Va., and the accidental child, his youngest son who he always claimed was adopted, Phillip Anthony Sullivan and wife Missy Mannon Sullivan, of Abingdon, Va., as well as many nieces and nephews. Hoite, affectionately known as “Opa” by his seven grandchildren, will be remembered as a colorful character who enjoyed making others laugh. His infectious personality and endless energy made him a friend to complete strangers. He never acted his age and was loved by both children and animals alike. He found humor in almost every situation and made sure others did too. He faced each day, a cup of coffee in hand, a smile on his face, and singing one of his favorite songs, “Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble.” The world is truly a better place because he was here.
A graveside service will be held Monday, November 25th, at 12:00 Noon from the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin, VA with the Dublin American Legion conducting the military graveside rites. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 29th, at 3:00 PM from the Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday where the family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the service hour.
Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, VA.
Suzanne Dill
November 21, 2019 @ 2:50 pm
He always made us smile. Will miss him greatly.
Suzanne Gembach
November 21, 2019 @ 3:47 pm
Tony, Susan, Riley and Erin, so sorry for your loss. Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to all of you today, tomorrow and always.
Norma Raines
November 21, 2019 @ 4:10 pm
Your mom and dad were wonderful people. They will be missed by all those who new them. It is so hard to let them go, but so easy when you know where they are. They are in a much better place and together again. Being so fresh for me, I don’t know if it gets easier or not but I hope it does. Praying for you and the family. Love you all so much. Norma and Rick
Jeff Dahl
November 21, 2019 @ 4:52 pm
Much respect MR Sullivan Rest In Peace
Joe Mannon
November 21, 2019 @ 11:56 pm
It was always a joy to be around Hoite. I admired him so much. Martha and I have a lot of fond memories of the times we spent with him and Margaret.
Ava Stilwell
November 22, 2019 @ 8:25 am
Hoite and Margaret were dear and faithful volunteers with Pulaski County RSVP. They touched many lives through their support of the annual Supplies for Seniors program, and I am blessed to have called them friends.
Bj Tarlton
November 22, 2019 @ 10:16 am
May God Comfort The Family — I Deeply So Sorry — For Ken and Wife- Lisa and Kids ! My Good Memories is Ken – Mom – Margaret – Loved Buying my makeup from her ! Ken Dad — Beautiful Soul — Like them All ! Will be in my prayers 🙏
Danny “Doc” Love
November 22, 2019 @ 2:58 pm
Spent a lot of time around the Sullivan Family from my youth thru adulthood before leaving Pulaski in 1985. Hoite was a wonderful Man, entertaining, hard working and very devoted to Margaret and the children. Hoite was certainly one of a kind, I can here him singing now “Oh Lord It’s Hard To Be Humble”……
I held Both Hoite & Margaret in very high regards.
Hoite, May You and Your Beautiful Soulmate Rest Well Together, Forever.
Much Love