Clarence "JR" Hoerl, 82, of Dagsboro, Delaware

Clarence "JR" Hoerl, 82, of Dagsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, following a brief but courageous fight with cancer. He was born on August 5, 1943, in Catonsville, Maryland, the son of the late Charles H. Hoerl and Effie "Polly" Etta (Ricker) Hoerl. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles "Pete" Hoerl Jr., and his grandson, Preston.

He is survived by his devoted companion, Marie K. Miller; his loving children, Deborah A. Dover and Charles A. Hoerl Sr., and daughter-in-law Renita; his grandchildren Brittany, Kayla, and Charles Jr. "Alex"; and his great-grandchildren Shyanne, Kinsey, Emmett, Eliza, and Sebastian "Max."

A Life of Work and Good Cheer

Mr. Hoerl began his career with The Coca-Cola Company, first as a delivery driver covering neighborhoods throughout Baltimore; The Block, South Baltimore, and Little Italy among them. He often recalled those years with fondness, sharing stories of the characters and camaraderie he found along each route. Through diligence and good humor, he advanced to the position of Account Representative, earning recognition for his service and a company trip to Mexico; one of his proudest accomplishments.

In later years, Mr. Hoerl served as manager of Lucky's Market in Brooklyn Park, Maryland. There, he was known for his tireless work ethic and friendly disposition. He delighted in recalling how he personally made one hundred subs and sandwiches each day, helping his store achieve annual sales of five million dollars and even a place in the Guinness Book of Records. His familiar saying, offered often and with a grin, was simply: "Moving West". To him, it meant always looking ahead toward the next adventure, the next song, or the next sunny day.

A Gentleman Entertainer

Music was ever close to JR's heart. For many years he entertained as both a disc jockey and Elvis Presley tribute artist, performing at the Elks, Eagles, Moose, American Legion posts, and gatherings across Maryland and the Eastern Shore. He lived to be remembered as an entertainer who made people smile. Those who saw him perform would agree he did just that; with his voice, his warmth, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye.  Though "it's now or never" has passed, his song plays on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Away from the stage, he enjoyed experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, sitting on his porch catching the sunshine, riding that tractor through the grass, and even planning trips to Florida. A proud member of the American Legion Post 24, the Roxanna Moose, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 4528, and the Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645; he cherished the camaraderie and community those organizations provided. There, surrounded by friends, music, and the sounds he helped create, he lived his later years contentedly.

Fondly Remembered

Mr. Hoerl will be remembered as a kind and thoughtful man, generous with his laughter, clever with his stories, and steadfast in his friendships.  In the spirit of his favorite performer, Elvis Presley, he believed that "life is meant to be lived with a song in your heart."

His family finds comfort in knowing that his wit, stories, and music will live on in every gathering where his name is spoken and his songs are remembered Though he has "left the building," his spirit remains; still moving west toward the next great adventure.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.