Raymond Hoffmaster

Raymond “Skip” Hoffmaster was a generous and kind man of many talents. He was a loving father and grandfather, a craftsman, fisherman, golfer, cook, a musician, an artist, and so much more. Skip passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2021, age 77, at Novant Health Medical Center in Matthews, North Carolina.

Skip was born to Bryce and Francis Hoffmaster outside Youngstown, Ohio on January 12, 1944. After completing high school, he served in the US Navy, before eventually training to become a skilled welder, metal machinist and fabricator. Skip helped raise his two sons to appreciate the value of self-reliance, a good laugh, and how to make something with your own hands. He was loved by all who knew him for throwing a great party, his life-long interest in airplanes and flying, and his passion for hand-crafting a tasty meal or unique gift for friends and strangers alike.

He is survived by his sister Lynette Clay and her husband Harry Clay. He will be missed tremendously by his two sons, Matthew Hoffmaster and Richard Hoffmaster and his wife Megan Worbs, and their mother Laura Wittenrich. He is also survived by his granddaughter Anna Hoffmaster, as well as his two life-long friends, whom he considered brothers, Paul Reuss and Jerry Reuss. He was predeceased by his parents, and by his sisters Judy Sakely and Suellen Baker.

As Skip asked that his body be donated to UNC Chapel Hill for medical education, there will not be a viewing. Rather, a memorial celebration to enjoy music, food, drinks and our shared stories about Skip will be scheduled for Saturday, November 20, 2021 near Youngstown, Ohio. Please check the following invitation regularly for further details, which will be available soon:

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In lieu of sending flowers or cards, please consider a donation to the Greater Charlotte Society for the Protection of Animals, at https://www.charlottespca.org/donate. As an animal lover, Skip would be happy to know that your donation will go to supporting their mission of improving the quality of life of homeless animals in the Charlotte area.