Recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star
by Melissa LaScaleia
Hoyt LeGrand Hendrick was born in Conway, South Carolina on January 24, 1924 to parents Robert O’Neil and Minnie Cannon Hendrick.
Growing up during the roaring ’20s, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and received both the Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Star for his service and sacrifices in combat.
He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in civil engineering, and attended graduate school at the University of Tennessee where he received a master’s of science.
He was a civil engineer, registered professionally with the state of South Carolina. The majority of his career was spent working as an engineer for the military. In addition to being a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Hoyt was also a member of the Clemson Alumni Association for 50 years.
Hoyt was employed as a civil engineer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers when he first became involved with what is today the Market Common area professionally.
In 1955, the Myrtle Beach municipal airfield was transitioning into a major Air Force base. Hoyt was employed as a civil engineer on the project.
In 1958, he transferred to the United States Air Force and continued working as an engineer on the project, now helping to prepare the base by overseeing the construction of the necessary facilities which would house aircraft, buildings, and personnel.
Hoyt became the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base deputy civil engineer, and remained in that position for almost thirty years before retiring. He assisted in numerous transitions throughout his career, including the housing and implementation of the initial aircraft at the base, the F-100; A-7D aircraft in 1970; and A-10 aircraft in 1977.
Hoyt was married to Rachel Rheuark who passed away in 1981. His second wife was Kathryn Hendrick, with whom he remained until he passed. He had three children, Steve, Michael, and Kent; two step-sons, Daniel and John; two step-daughters, Debbie and Kelly; and fourteen grandchildren.
Hoyt L. Hendrick died on July 2, 2007, at the age of 83, in Conway, South Carolina.
Hendrick Avenue, the avenue in the Market Common which stands as a tribute to his service and contributions to this area, is a long street which houses many residences.
It stretches through the Soho District, from Farrow Parkway down to Hackler Street, running parallel with Johnson Avenue. The plaque which commemorates his life and accomplishments can be found there.
