Johnas Fulton Hockaday Jr.

A heralded educational leader in North Carolina, Virginia and Arizona, Dr. Johnas F. Hockaday passed away at his home on April 18th. Born on October 25, 1928, in Four Oaks, NC to Johnas Fulton and Cora Moore Hockaday, and the eldest of three children, Dr. JF Hockaday leaves behind a long and distinguished list of accomplishments.

A graduate of Four Oaks High, Dr. Hockaday early sensed his primary interest was in the field of education. He attended Atlantic Christian College, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Biology. In 1988 he was presented the Alumni Achievement Award from his Alma Mater (now Barton College). Graduate studies included a Masters Degree in Public School Administration from East Carolina University and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Duke University. He also served in the United States Air Force, assigned to the South Pacific.

Dr. Hockaday began his educational career as a teacher of mathematics and basketball coach in Benson, NC, followed by similar positions in Fremont, NC and New Bern, NC. The next step in his career was a Principalship in Warrenton, NC. Following his tenure there, he was employed as Principal of Sanford Central High School. His service in the Sanford Public Schools also included service as the Superintendent of Schools.

When the Presidency of Central Carolina Technical College (now Central Carolina Community College) located in Sanford became vacant in 1969, the Board of Directors selected Dr. Hockaday to assume the Presidency of the College. During his 14 years there, he promoted ambitious and impressive growth in student educational programs, as well as visualizing the expansion of the school to satellite campuses in adjoining counties. He also encouraged the college to work with Campbell University to begin the first transfer program from a community college to a 4-year school in North Carolina.

During his stay in Sanford, Dr. Hockaday was a committed, involved citizen and civic leader. He served on the Lee County Library Board, the Lee County Hospital Board and the Board of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Boards of the United Way and Highway to Healing, as Chair of the Lee County Industrial Development Board, on the Sanford Golf Commission and the Board of Directors of the Florence Crittendon Home for Women in Charlotte.

He was chosen as Lee County Citizen of the Year in 1980 and Industrial Development Volunteer of the Year in North Carolina in 1981. Because of his support of high school athletics, he was also awarded a lifetime membership in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. He served as a member of the Meredith College Board of Trustees for 14 years, served as Chair of the College Board and was named Trustee Emeriti of the College.

Dr. Hockaday served for seven years as Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. While living in Virginia, he was an active member of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce.

He was appointed Chancellor of the Pima Community College District in Tucson, Arizona in 1990 where he served for five years. He was a member of the Tucson Airport Authority. While Chancellor of the Pima District, he received a special commendation from the Secretary of Education of Mexico for collaboration between the Tucson school and the technical colleges of Northern Mexico. In 1995, he was granted the National Leadership award from LULAC (Latino United Legislative Action Committee).

Dr. Hockaday also served as the Interim President of the Kentucky Community College System in its formulation months. He was awarded the status of Kentucky Colonel by Governor Paul Patton in 1998.

Dr. Hockaday received several special recognitions for his work in the community colleges. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges for two terms. He was selected by the National Association of Community Colleges Trustees as the National Community College President of the Year in 1995. The American Association of Community Colleges selected Dr. Hockaday for its Leadership Award in 2002. Dr. Hockaday also partnered with Donny Hunter to form Hockaday-Hunter Associates, and the pair performed Presidential Searches for Community Colleges throughout the country for over 10 years. In March of 2014, Dr. Hockaday was honored with the Order of the Longleaf Pine recognizing his exemplary service to the state.

Dr. Hockaday was supported in his life's journey for 64 years by his loving wife Dixie Lane Hockaday, who died in 2013. They were parents of three sons: Jeffrey Hockaday (of Raleigh), Jon Hockaday (of Sanford), and Daniel Hockaday and wife Heather (of Weaverville). Dr. Hockaday also leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Dr. Hockaday was preceded in death by his parents, brother Billy Odell Hockaday and sister Chris Hockaday Myott.

Always an ardent sports enthusiast, Dr. Hockaday was an unwavering Boston Red Sox fan. He enjoyed golf and fishing and was an avid reader.

Dr. Hockaday was a longtime, faithful member of First Baptist Church of Sanford. He served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School and was a member of the Personnel and Finance Committees of the Church.

He was selected on two different occasions to serve as Chair of the Pastor Search Committee of the Church.

A private ceremony will be scheduled for a future date. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church General Endowment Fund, 202 Summitt Avenue, Sanford, NC 27330.