Hoyt D. Tench, age 84 of Cornelia, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. Born in Cornelia, Georgia on January 4, 1933, he was a son of the late Hezekiah and Viola Ivie Tench. Mr. Tench served his country proudly in the United States Army, having been stationed at Ft. Hood in Texas during the Korean Conflict working as a military police. He retired from Scovill Manufacturing with 39 years of service. He also worked for Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as a school crossing guard for many years. Mr. Tench was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and enjoyed hunting and gardening. In addition to his parents, Mr. Tench was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Hoyt Tench; brothers, Dewey H. Tench and Dan Tench; sister, Dorothy O’Neal. Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Terry Tench, of Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-laws, Tina & Robert Chandler of Lula, Tonya & Dan Palmour of Cleveland; brothers, Douglas Tench of Chamblee and Donald Tench of Cornelia; sisters, Doris Stamey of Demorest and Helen McGaha of Cornelia; grandchildren, Brent, Beth, Samantha and Summer; 5 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 pm Saturday, February 11, 2017 from the Chapel of McGahee Griffin and Stewart with Rev. Chris York and Rev. Raymond Payne officiating. Interment will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Johnny Johnson officiating and full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, and the Georgia National Guard. The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Friday at the funeral home. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.