Charles Vincent Hoard, age 76, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, May 1, 2026, at Axiom Healthcare of Flora.

      He was born April 11, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Vivian Vincent and Erma (Peters) Hoard.  He was united in marriage to Mary Ruth Pelfrey, and they have shared 51 years together.

      Charlie spent his early years working on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and dedication.  He then went on to serve his country in the United States Army as an infantry truck driver in Germany during the Vietnam Era.

      After his military service, he lived in Miami, Florida, where he worked for Florida Refrigeration.  He later returned home and continued his career as a truck driver.  Over the years, he worked for Halliburton, Fedco, and Trans-State Express, delivering a wide variety of products and earning the respect of those who knew him through his steady work ethic and reliability.

      In his later years, Charlie especially enjoyed tending to his roses, taking pride in his garden and the beauty it brought.  He also loved watching NASCAR and was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan.

      He is survived by his wife: Ruth Hoard of Clay City; children: Margaret (Bill) Butler of Flora, Lucinda (Hank) Wiegel of Louisville, Mike (Joyce) Watson of Clay City, and Laura (Joe) Yates of Kinmundy; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; a daughter: Tammy Petty; an infant sister: Shirley Ann; and a brother: Jim (Nancy) Gaffney.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Bunker Cemetery, Rinard, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Axiom Healthcare Activity Fund, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com