Mr. James Fred Hovater Jr., 82, of Gardendale went home to be with the Lord July 6. He was born Oct. 9, 1937 in Russellville to James Fred Hovater Sr. and Jennie Maude Thompson Hovater.

James loved sports very much. In high school he lettered in four sports: football, baseball, basketball and track. Even after becoming a pharmacist, James spent most of his free time after work coaching little league.

James graduated with honors from Samford University and received the John R. Mott award for Student Public Service.

He is survived by three children, Howard (Angela) Hovater, Wil (Leslie) Hovater and Megan Hovater; a daughter-in-law, Melody Hovater; eight grandchildren, Abbie Hovater, Claire (Daniel) Jackson, Reese Hovater, Shelby (Andrew) Hooper, Harrison Hovater, Hayden Hovater, Wil Hovater Jr. and Morgan Hovater; a great-granddaughter, Eleanor Rose Jackson; and a brother, Rod (Paula) Hovater.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Stanley Hovater.

A funeral service will be held at Gardendale Funeral Home July 10 at 6 p.m. Burial will be in Knights of Pythias Cemetery in Russellville July 11 at 11:30 a.m.