Earl HoffmeisterMaryville, TNEarl Hoffmeister, age 90, was born on December 9, 1926, in Maryville, Tennessee to Hollis and Thelma Hoffmeister. He was raised on a small farm in South Knoxville and attended Hendrons Methodist Church and began elementary school. The family later moved to Lincoln Park where they attended Lincoln Park Methodist Church. He attended Lincoln Park Elementary School. They then moved to Lindy Dr. in South Knoxville where he attended and graduated from Young High School. While at Young High, he played basketball and football. He served in World War II. After the war, he attended UT and played football until he was injured. He, along with friends, transferred to Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC where he played football and basketball. While there, he met and married JoAnne Elledge. They were married 67 years. Their first born child, Deborah, was born while there. After graduation, the family moved to Covington, GA where he taught and coached at Newton County High School. Their second child, David, was born there. After a few years the family moved to Powell, Tennessee where he taught and coached at Powell High School. Their third child, Dan, was born. They attended Powell United Methodist Church for 63 years. He later taught school at Central High School, and built houses in the summers. While at Central, he became the assistant principal. He was encouraged to run for Knox County School Superintendent. In 1976, he was elected and subsequently reelected three times, and retired in 1992. When asked what he liked about the job the most, it was getting out in the schools and being with the children.After retirement, he worked part-time for the Knox County Sheriff's Office for a short time. He loved people, enjoyed being outside, and piddling in his basement. In their later years, they move to Morning Pointe in Powell, an assisted living facility. He was surrounded by family during his calm passing. He loved people and always had a smile for them. His favorite saying was never love anything that can't love you back. He loved people and was loved by many. He will be greatly missed and always loved. Preceded in death by parents, Hollis and Thelma Hoffmeister; brother, H.L. Hoffmeister, Jr.; son, Dan Hoffmeister, and daughter-in-law, Jenny Hoffmeister. Survived by wife, JoAnne Hoffmeister; daughter, Deborah Johnson and husband, Jerry; son, David Hoffmeister and wife, Nancy; grandchildren, Jason Hoffmeister and wife, Michelle, and Will Johnson; great-grandchildren, Colton and Natalie Hoffmeister; nephew, Larry Hoffmeister; and extended family, Steven George and family. The family will receive friends Friday, March 10 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Powell United Methodist Church, 323 W. Emory Rd., Powell, Tennessee 37849. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Martha Atkins and Pastor Hugh Roberts officiating. The graveside service will be Saturday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Robert (Bob) Dukes officiating. Family and friends will meet at 2:30 at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics of Greater Knoxville, PO Box 34024 Knoxville, TN 37930 or Powell United Methodist Church, 323 W. Emory Rd., Powell, Tennessee 37849. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com