Henry Clay Hoyle

Henry Clay Hoyle, 88, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Amorem Hospice following a period of declining health.

Clay was born November 12, 1936 in Burke County to the late John Russell Hoyle and Ruth Taylor Hoyle. He retired from Duke Power and served honorably in the United States Air Force.

Clay raised English Setter bird dogs for many years that were sought after around the country. More recently he was known around the world as a first-class Birmingham Roller Pigeon breeder and flyer. He was awarded the Master Flyer Award, of which there are only a handful of recipients, and won numerous World Cup competitions. People from all over the world visited Clay to gain from his knowledge and wisdom about the hobby, and to watch his Birmingham Roller Pigeons perform. He also took those pigeons to public schools and flew them for the children who thoroughly enjoyed watching them perform.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Joe David Hoyle; sister, Gwendolyn Hoyle McGrady; and brother-in-law, Glen Hallman.

He is survived by his wife of over seventy years, Shirley Hendrix Hoyle; sons, Henry Clay “Sandy” Hoyle II and wife Lisa, Capt. John Russell Hoyle, Burke County Sheriff’s Office (Ret.), daughter, Joan Hoyle Tickle and husband Jack; grandchildren, Daniel Hoyle, Tyler Mull and wife Melissa, Sarah Lail and husband Kyle, Henry Mull and wife Kaitlyn, Sgt. Trevor Hoyle, Raleigh Police Department and Greyson Hoyle (Leslie); and nine great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Verna Hallman, and Jill Phillips, and sister-in-law, Twyla Hoyle.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Heritage.

Memorials may be made to Amorem at www.amoremsupport.org.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.