Maurice Bland Hoyle, 81, of Bostic, NC, departed to his heavenly home on June 2, 2023, surrounded by his family. Better known as “Rocky” to those who knew him best, he was the son of the late Rufus S. Hoyle and Dot Hoyle.

Rocky graduated from Cool Springs High School and soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961 where he was a machinist’s mate Third Class. He crossed the Equator, the Arctic Circle, and the Prime Meridian while also serving on a Mediterranean tour. After his military service, Rocky worked at Fiber as a Maintenance Engineer and established his own business called the American Chimney Sweep and Paint Company.

Rocky enjoyed dancing into the early hours at the local Moose Lodge and summers at Lake James where he was known for his attention-grabbing antics involving fireworks and homemade canons. He loved travelling across the United States, boating at Lake James, fishing, and nature photography.

Rocky was a Shriner and a lifelong member of the Forest City Masonic Lodge. He spent many joyous hours riding dune cats in parades and raising money for the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Rocky was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church and attended the Barn.

Rocky was predeceased by the love his life, Lorene Hoyle, his twin brother Mitchell Hoyle, and his older brother McKeever Hoyle. He is survived by his children Priscilla Henson of Shelby, NC, Jerry Henson (Belinda) of Leland, NC, and Howard Henson (Allison) of Chesnee, SC; grandchildren BJ Philbeck (Amanda), Simon Philbeck, Ashley Grim (Ryan), Bryn Henson (Taylor), Colin Henson, Courtney Atchley West (Chris) and Morgan Atchley; great-grandchildren Alex and Grayson Philbeck, Alora, Annistyn, and RJ West, Braylee and Bria Watkins, and beloved niece Vickie Hoyle and nephew Marshall Hoyle. Rocky leaves behind many cherished friends and family including his Lake James Landing community.

The family would like to thank the Neuro-ICU staff at Prisma Health Greenville for their outstanding care and to everyone for the kind words, prayers, and comfort during this difficult time.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o' clock Monday, June 5, 2023 in the Padgett & King chapel with Rev. Sam Henderson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Oak Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, Ellenboro.  The family will receive friends from one until two o'clock on Monday at Padgett & King.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Barn, P O Box 123, Bostic, NC 28018 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.  The Padgett & King Mortuary is serving the Hoyle family.  Online condolences may be made at www.padgettking.com