Reuben Hoyt Verner, age 102, of McCaysville, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026. He was born on April 23, 1924, in Copperhill, to the late Leonard Verner and Ethel Bell Verner. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps, working on aircraft and in supply operations and supporting escort missions for General Douglas MacArthur. After returning home from the war, he owned and operated Blue & White Pure Oil Company Service Station for over 40 years. Later, he operated an automotive mechanic shop and independent auto parts store. Hoyt was a member of the Copperhill Lodge #656 F&AM. He also served as Vice Mayor of McCaysville during the late 1960s.

Hoyt is preceded in death by his parents; spouse, Eleanor Love Verner; grandsons, Jeffrey Barnes and Chris Adams; daughter-in-law, Kay Cole Verner; son-in-law, Robert Cook; siblings and their spouses, Edith and Claude Ballew, Elvin and Lena Denton, Marvin and Nell Verner, Morris and Rosalee Verner, Lloyd and Barbara Verner, Jimmy Verner, and Delton and Cheryl Verner; and brother-in-law, Max Dickey.

Hoyt is survived by his children and their spouses, Raymond Verner, Janice Cook, Vivian and Dennis Barnes, and Sharon and Carl Arp; grandchildren, Patrick Trantham, Brandy Adams, Stacy and Tim McArthur, B.J. and Julie Chancey, and Nathan and Lori Chancey; great-grandchildren, Kayla Adams, Dustin Adams, Sabrina Adams, Kendra Adams, Haylee McArthur, Marley McArthur, Peyton Chancey, Presley Chancey, Parker Chancey, Brayden Chancey, Bentley Chancey, and Benson Chancey; sister, Mildred Dickey; and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Scott Baugh officiating. Becky Harris provided music. Interment followed in the Friendship #3 Baptist Church Cemetery. Military honors were rendered by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Masonic rites were given by Copperhill Lodge #656 F&AM. Pallbearers were Patrick Trantham, Tim McArthur, B.J. Chancey, Peyton Chancey, Parker Chancey, Nathan Chancey, Brayden Chancey, Bentley Chancey, and Benson Chancey. Honorary pallbearers were Carl Arp, Kenneth Patterson, Rev. Jack Buchanan, Dennis Barnes, Cecil "Buggs" Arp, and his great-granddaughters. Visitation was held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of these arrangements.