Harlan E. Hoskins


Harlan E. Hoskins

Harlan E. Hoskins, 73, of Shelby, NC, passed peacefully from this life into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 27, 2022.

He was a devoted and loving family man.

Born and raised in Southern California to Orville and Ruth Hoskins, the family later relocated to Santa Clara, CA. Harlan was educated in the Santa Clara County school district, attending Wilson Middle School and Santa Clara High. He was a graduate of the class of 1967/68

A veteran of the U. S. Navy, Harlan proudly served his country1969-1973 during the Vietnam War era. He served aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ranger. Following an honorable discharge, Harlan studied business at West Valley College in Saratoga, CA. It was during this time Harlan first learned of God's love, and realized his need for salvation. He repented and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. While attending church in 1974 in San Jose, CA, Harlan met his true love, Sue, affectionately nicknamed "Suzi". They were married a short time later. In 1977 the couple was blessed with the birth of their son, Jeremiah.

He was an honest, hard-working man, and displayed grace, respect and humility in almost every aspect of his life. He became involved with aircraft at an early age, and pursued a vocation in aircraft heavy maintenance. He hired on with Pacific Southwest Airlines in 1985, transferred from San Diego, CA to Charlotte, NC in 1991, and finally retired in 2020 as a Maintenance Lead with American Airlines, ending a 35 year career.

Shortly after retirement, in 2021, Harlan received a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic bone cancer. Although he fought courageously, with his wife and son by his side, he slipped away peaceably when the LORD called him home to heaven, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." He never once doubted God's love, never complained, or lost hope. He knew his life was in God's hands, and He is now sheltered safe within the arms of God. Before his health issues, Harlan and Suzi were faithful members of Faith Baptist Church in Mint Hill, NC.

Harlan was preceded in death by his father, Orville E. Hoskins; mother, Ruth Mary Hoskins; and brother, Howard. Left to grieve his passing are his soulmate and wife, Suzi; his son, Jeremiah (wife Jen) and 3-year old grandson, Noah; brothers Darcy (wife Joni), Darrell (partner Alexandria), Will (wife Kim); brothers and sisters of his wife, Suzi: Verle, Fleet (wife Patricia), Jeanne (husband Charles), Beth, Bart (wife Caiti), and Lori (husband Roger); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and coworkers.

A remembrance Service is planned for Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 12Noon, Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home, 106 Cherryville Rd, Shelby, NC 28150. A private interment for the family will be held at Cleveland Memorial Park, Shelby, following the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.