CHARLESTON, W. Va. – West Virginia Revenue Secretary Dave Hardy said one of the most rewarding moments of his tenure with Hoppy Shores on the Kanawha County Commission was the renovation of the Schoenbaum Football Stadium and the road leading to Coonskin Park.
“The new bridge was named ‘Hoppy Shores Drive,’ and I had never seen Hoppy as emotional and happy as he was that day,” Hardy told MetroNews.
Shores died Friday at the age of 92. He was the longest serving commissioner in Kanawha County history.
Hardy served on the commission with Shores from 2001 to 2017.
“I absolutely admired him. He was a great mentor. Over time I started to realize how wise he was,” Hardy said.
First elected in 1966, Shores served until 1972 and then again from 1978 to 1984. He was elected to the state House of Delegates in 1986 and served until 1990. Shores returned commissioned in 1991 and retired in December 2020.
During her tenure on the commission, Shores enjoyed programs to benefit children.
“Whether it was school lessons or midget league football, whatever it was, if you mentioned it, it would have a sparkle in his eye,” Hardy said. “When I think of him, I will always think of how much he cared and cherished our youth in this valley.”
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin spoke about Shores’ legacy during a Monday appearance on “580 Live” heard on MetroNews’ flagship station 580-WCHS. She said Shores left an impact that extends beyond county lines.
“He’s done so much for so many people that reverberates,” Goodwin said. “Although he spent his life and time here, his work and leadership spread throughout these 55 counties.”
The Kanawha County Courthouse is named after Shores. There is also a walking trail at the Shawnee Sports Complex named in his honor.
As a member of the Yeager Airport Board, Shores fought to keep the airport open. Shores has also supported many county water projects.
Shores was born in Dunbar and moved to the West Side of Charleston. He was a star athlete and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. He went on to earn his business degree from West Virginia University before enlisting in the US Army.
The funeral will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Charleston. The Clay Center will then host a Celebration of Life Event from 2-5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Coonskin Park Foundation.
State flags were lowered at all county-owned facilities in honor of Shores this week.