Ben Hozey

Benjamin Franklin Hozey, 87, died peacefully on Friday, November 12, 2010, at the Abbeville Nursing Home. He is a long time resident of 124 Thompson Drive in the Woodlawn Subdivision. He is survived by four children: Franky (Nita) Hozey of Abbeville; Patsy (Bill) Manley, Bill (Terri) Hozey, and Bobby Hozey of Greenwood. He has eight grandchildren, Nikki Arnold, Jon Mikel Hozey, Bronco Manley, Christine Manley, Jason Hozey, Bonner Hozey, Melissa Gibson, and Bobbie Jo Rhodes. He has 11 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Gertrude Moss Hozey. He is the youngest and the last remaining of 12 children born to Jim and Ada Hozey of Elberton, GA; and Anderson and Calhoun Falls, SC. He is a World War II veteran with 5 Bronze Service Stars. When he landed at Normandy, he was responsible for waterproofing his truck that pulled equipment for the 240 mm Howitzers. He said the water was up to his chin, but he, his truck, and artillery made it to the beach. He was at Ardennes, the Battle of the Bulge (Black Forest), Rhineland, and the Central Europe Campaign. He was a member of the 269th Artillery Battalion under Generals Patton and Montgomery. Whenever the troops rested, they often found a piano or guitar so that Hozey could play and sing for them. Ben Hozey is remembered for his beautiful voice and his great musical talents on the piano, guitar, mandolin, and bass guitar. After World War II, he played with several country music groups including �Scotty and the Drifters� and �The Dixie Dew Boys.� In 1953, he won the Arthur Smith Talent Contest and appeared on Channel 3 in Charlotte, NC. He performed �Your Cheating Heart.� He put all this aside for his wife and 4 children. He was a volunteer deputy, an avid church leader and deacon, an involved member of the Mathews Masonic Lodge, PTO president and school volunteer at Mathews Elementary School, and a dedicated grandpa and great grandpa. Ben Hozey came to Greenwood to work at Mathews Mill in 1952. He retired from Mathews in 1985. His musical talents were appreciated by his family and friends at many local churches including South Greenwood, Grendel, and Providence Pentecostal Holiness; Woodlawn Church of God; First Assembly of God; Grace Community; Siloam and Harris Baptist Churches. For several years he drove the bus for Greenwood County Council on Aging in the Ninety Six Area. He entertained the seniors as they enjoyed their Meals on Wheels lunches at the Ninety Six Depot. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. The family is at the home. The family has requested that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to Grace Community Church, 1611 Woodlawn Road, Greenwood, SC 29649, Harris Baptist Church, 300 Center Street, Greenwood, SC 29649, Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 1975 Highway 72 W, Greenwood, SC 29649 or to the charity of choice. He will be greatly missed by his extended family and friends.

Ben Hozey

December 14, 1969 - November 12, 2010

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services