I first met Doug in the late 90's at the Harborside gift shop when Corky and Sue were hosting a reception for him to share his artwork. At the time, I had already purchased pint glasses and cards reproductions of his paintings and I was delighted to meet the artist who was depicting our boat, the schooner Windfall, so perfectly. He'd obviously been sailing aboard the Windfall, and thus he was equally delighted to meet me (and the small children I had in tow.)
Over the years, I saw Doug at the Ocrafolk Festival, Pirate Jamboree, at all of his openings at Down Creek Gallery, and out and about in the village. We weren't close friends, but he always greeted me with a big smile and hug and asked after Rob and my kids. He knew I was a sucker for boat paintings and was especially happy to show me the year he finally painted our new boat, the schooner Windfall II. Of course I bought a print.
I have several framed prints hanging in my house, and I'm lucky to say I have one original. Doug donated an original painting of the Windfall to the Ocrafolk Festival fundraising auction and I outbid all comers. When I told him the next day, he said "Oh, I'm so glad you got it! I was hoping you would!"
Doug was a great friend to Ocracoke. Last September, right after Dorian, he raised over $1000 for Ocracoke's recovery by selling signed copies of his print "Ocracoke Harborside" and added #OcracokeStrong. That just happens to be one of the first prints I ever purchased way back at the Harborside gift shop the day we met.
Earlier this year, Doug was featured in the February issue of Our State magazine as one of North Carolina's favorite artists. The work the editors chose depicted Ocracoke and Portsmouth.
When Ocracoke learned of Doug's passing Saturday morning, our social media and personal texts lit up with personal tributes and expressions of grief. He was only 52; it was much too soon to lose this brilliant artist and kind soul. Most of the comments were about his character. We loved his paintings, but we loved him more because he was one of the nicest, most genuine people you'd ever hope to meet.
Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale, NC posted this obituary:
Douglas “Doug” Wayne Hoover 52 of Archdale died Friday August 14, 2020 at the Hospice Home at High Point.
Born May 5, 1968, Doug is a son of Ronald Hoover and the late Barbara Ann Peterson Hoover. He graduated from Southern Guilford High School in 1986 and earned an Associate Degree from Randolph Community College in Graphic Arts.
Doug is survived by his father Ron Hoover of High Point and a special “sister” Sherri Staton of Archdale.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be given in Doug's name to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123.
Visit their page to read tributes or comment your own.
