Homer Lee Hite, 85, passed away on March 27, 2026, at his home in Fishersville, VA, surrounded by his family.

Homer was born in Lexington, VA, on July 7, 1940, second of five children of James Hall Hite and Margaret Elizabeth (Painter) Hite. His family moved to Staunton where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and then the College of William and Mary.

Homer served in the Air Force as a Security Police Officer for eight years until he resigned his commission and returned to Virginia in 1970. He then entered the field of banking as a management trainee. In 1974, he was hired to start a new community bank in King George, VA, and he served there as President and Chief Executive Officer until retiring in 1999. Afterwards, he managed a real estate office for six years.

Homer was known for his love of service to his community. For 31 years, he served as a trustee and on committees at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. He also served a term as President of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. From 1995 to 2001, he served appointments as a lay committee member of the Sixth District Committee of the Virginia State Bar, participating in attorney disciplinary proceedings. He also organized and was president of an organization comprised of defense contractors and community leaders working to support communication and good relations between the Dahlgren Navy Base and the King George community.

After retirement and a move from King George to Fishersville, he continued to serve his community as a member of the Augusta Health Foundation and the Board of Directors of Augusta Health for nine years until his health declined. He was also an active member of First Baptist Church in Waynesboro.

Homer's favorite pastime was cooking, and he used his culinary skills to show his love to family and community. He also enjoyed reading and watching sports and classic westerns.

Homer is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce (Cook) Hite; his son, Christopher (Barbara) Hite; his daughter, Carol (Mark) Wolfe; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth Hite, Brynna Wolfe, Ethan Wolfe, and Daniel Hite.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Hunter Hite and John Wayne "Slim" Hite; and two sisters, Mary Ellen Hite Earhart and Margaret Ann "Peggy" Hite Paxton.

Inurnment will be at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery, Mount Sidney, VA.  A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, VA, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM.  A reception will follow the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to First Baptist Church, 301 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, VA 22980, or the Hospice-Gifted Care Fund, payable to Augusta Health, PO Box 909, Fishersville, VA 22939, or online at https://ahfoundation.augustahealth.com/give-now.