WILLIAMSBURG - Spencer Thurston Hockaday, Colonel, U.S. Army, retired, died peacefully Wednesday, July 25, 2001, at a local nursing center. He was 79. He was born in Lanexa, Va., and graduated from New Kent High School. He completed Virginia Military Institute in 1942 and immediately entered the Army. Colonel Hockaday was presented the Legion of Merit (third award) at a retirement ceremony in 1975. The citation states "his entire career (30 years) has been characterized by unparalleled dedication to duty and performance in a variety of challenging fields, and a total dedication to his country." He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Clara P. Hockaday; a son, Glenn Hockaday; grandsons, Aaron and Christopher Hockaday; and a brother, G. Louis Hockaday. A graveside service will be held at 9 a.m. August 8 in the Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Published in Daily Press on August 1, 2001