CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Kanawha County Commission and the county in general suffered a huge loss this evening with the news of the passing of former County Commissioner Henry C. “Hoppy” Shores. To say that Shores was a legendary Kanawha County public servant is a vast understatement.
“While we certainly mourn his loss, we must take this time to celebrate his remarkable life,” said Commission President Kent Carper.
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Bronson, his four children – Henry Shores, Jr., Sherry Akers, Scott Shores, and Lynn Maddox — his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he cherished dearly,” Carper added.
“To me, Hoppy was like a father, especially after I lost mine. He treated everyone with respect. Of all of his many accomplishments, his true legacy – as Hoppy would say – ‘it’s all about the kids.’ He lived it, he breathed it, and he did it. From time to time, Debbie and I had the privilege of having private time with Bronson and Hoppy. I shall always treasure our time together,” said Carper.
Commissioner Ben Salango added, “Hoppy was one of the kindest individuals I’ve ever met. He loved his family and his community deeply. He devoted his life to public service, and his efforts will be felt for generations to come. Tera and I will miss him dearly, and we send our most heartfelt condolences to Bronson and his entire family.”
“When I was elected Commissioner, following Commissioner Shores, I knew these would be big shoes to fill. Commissioner Shores was a true icon in the political arena. He was a kind man who supported many programs in the county and always made an effort to support youth activities.
“I have worked to follow in his footsteps and have continued by serving on the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission and working to fulfill his goals. My wife Jessica and I send our condolences to his entire family,” said Commissioner Lance Wheeler.
Judge Louis H. “Duke” Bloom commented, “I have known Hoppy since I was a kid. He was a mentor to me growing up and as I served with him on the County Commission. He cared greatly for children and children’s programs. His dedication to youth projects will stand out as one of his greatest accomplishments. Carole and I will miss him and offer our condolences to Bronson and the Shores family.”
“Hoppy Shores was one of the greatest public servants in County history. He arose from humble origins to great success in business and community service, but his legacy was his passion for our youth. He had a heart of gold and a big personality to match. I will always cherish the times we spent together as Commissioners and as friends. Rest in Peace and thank you for your lifetime of service,” said West Virginia Secretary of Revenue Dave Hardy.
Commissioner Shores served as County Commissioner for 42 years, the longest-serving Commissioner in modern history. He served with dignity and respect, all who spoke of him said.
He was born in Dunbar and later moved to Charleston’s West Side, where he lived with his sister as his parents had died when he was young. Shores attended Stonewall Jackson High School and was a sophomore running back on the 1947 state champion football team.
He was awarded the Kennedy Award during his senior year. This award is presented to the state’s top high school football player. Photos of him in his Stonewall playing days adorned his downtown insurance office on Kanawha Boulevard.
After leaving Stonewall Jackson and serving as Senior Class President, Shores went on to West Virginia University and graduated with a business degree. He then enlisted in the United States Army, where he retired with the rank of Major.
He met the love of his life on the first day of high school and said it was “love at first sight.” He and Bronson Gracelon were married six years later. Their love remained steadfast, and she has been by his side while they built an insurance agency, as he ran for political office, and they raised four children. Hoppy and Bronson were blessed with four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
In 1966, Commissioner Shores first entered the political arena when he was urged to join the race for Kanawha County Commission. He won the election and served until 1972. He again served from 1978 to 1984. In 1986 he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates and served until 1990, at which time he again ran for the position of Kanawha County Commission and was elected in 1991 and served until December 31, 2020.
Before leaving the Kanawha County Commission, the Commission Courtroom was renamed the ‘Henry C. “Hoppy” Shores Courtroom.’ The Shawnee Sports Complex also proudly has “Hoppy’s Mile,” a one-mile walking path named in honor of Commissioner Shores.
He was a member of the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission, and outdoor activities were vital to him as he was a former athlete. He wanted outdoor activities for youth to participate in, and there was no better place to do that than at our County Parks, in his opinion. When the entrance to Coonskin Park was changed, the road name was changed to Henry C. “Hoppy” Shores Drive. Coonskin Park also has “Hoppy’s Little Express,” a train used to carry children through the park to view the light displays during the holiday season. Hoppy loved children, and his legacy will live on, the commissioners agreed.
He cared deeply for the courthouse employees. One of his earliest accomplishments was creating a program to provide county employees free mammograms. In a West Virginia Gazette-Mail article dated December 25, 2020, Shores stated, “I also tried to treat the employees with respect, give raises when they deserved one and implement an insurance program for them.”
There is not an employee in the courthouse who worked for Commissioner Shores who would deny that “Hoppy” took care of them and always looked out for their needs, the three commissioners observed. He saw them as family and treated them as such.
Commissioner Shores was involved in many projects for his constituents. He helped bring potable water to many throughout the county, working with the water company on joint projects. With his efforts, more than 95% of the County has potable, public water access.
Shores also served on the Yeager Airport Board. When the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) committee planned to reassign the 130th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard at Yeager Airport, Shores worked with Adjutant General Allen Tackett to save the base and Yeager Airport.
The Commissioners continued, “Commissioner “Hoppy” Shores, will always be remembered as a legend in Kanawha County. His actions spoke louder than words. He touched many lives, including the youth of our community ensuring they had equipment at their schools and, playgrounds and uniforms for their teams.
Commissioner Shores will be greatly missed and Kanawha County residents send their thoughts and prayers to the Shores family.
In honor of Commissioner Shores, a black drape will be placed over the top of his picture in the Henry C. “Hoppy” Shores” Courtroom and over the door to the entrance of the Courtroom. A black drape will also be placed over the outside entrance to the Courthouse. State flags will be lowered at all county properties until the day of the services.