Gale Edward Hovermale, 70, of Winchester, VA passed away unexpectedly at his home that he shared with his sweetheart, Terry and their Quarter Horses, for 25 years.
Gale was born on March 31, 1949 in Berkeley Springs, West, Virginia, son of the late Chester E. Hovermale and Anna Lou Hovermale. He graduated in 1967 from Berkeley Springs High School; attended WVU, Morgantown and Hagerstown Junior College. Gale was drafted and honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict.
Gale married Terry Hanahan on June 23, 1994 in Winchester, VA and together they have raised Quarter Horses for 25 years on farms in Berkeley Springs, WV and Winchester, VA. He retired from a long career at Fleetwood Industries. Gale was a devoted member for 55 years to the Morgan County Saddle Club. Gale was an accomplished horse show announcer and judge and specialized in Team Penning, Team Sorting, Team Roping and Speed Shows at events in PA, NY, NJ, VA and WV. He was always easily recognized with his trademark red and white polka dot railroader hat. Gale was a true gentleman, always very kind and polite. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving is his sister, Barbara Ann Hovermale Spielman of Berkeley Springs, WV; sons, Gale Hovermale, Jr. and Chester Hovermale both of Berkeley Springs, WV; nephews, John Wayne Spielman and Justin Spielman; four grandchildren; and mother of his sons, Felicia Cohill Hovermale.
Services will be at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.