Gary Paul Hoffer, age 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Born on the 4th of July in 1943, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was the son of Joseph and Izola (Cummings) Hoffer. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Lana B. Lee.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Gary earned several degrees while attending the University of Minnesota, the University of Tennessee, and Carson-Newman.

While serving in the Navy, Gary worked on his own time as an addiction counselor for the Navy Drug Education Program. After the military, Gary had a career as a teacher for the blind. He also worked with Volunteer Blind Industries of Morristown, where he later retired.

A visitation will take place at Mayes Mortuary from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023. Burial with military honors will take place afterward at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Volunteer Blind Industries of Morristown or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Mayes Mortuary.