Meet Larry

Lawrence W. “Larry” Hoover, Jr.

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A lifelong resident of Dorchester County who has dedicated his life to service, community, and faith.

Home is Ridgeville

Born and raised in Dorchester County, Larry attended the former Harleyville-Ridgeville High School before graduating from Hanahan High School, after his family temporarily relocated to Charleston to care for his grandmother. He came home to Ridgeville, where he still lives and serves the people of his community.

Larry was previously married to the late Sherri Sossamon Hoover, who passed away in 2017. He is now married to Susanne “Susie” Price Hoover of Dorchester, where they make their home. He is the proud father of one daughter, Amber Hoover Bennett, married to Micah Bennett, and cherishes his two grandchildren, Claira Belle and Beau. He is also affectionately known as “Pop” to Susie’s two grandchildren.

A career built on accountability

After high school, Larry attended Trident Technical College and built a varied professional career. He first worked as a manager and buyer for two exclusive men’s clothing stores in Charleston before joining the Charleston Naval Shipyard, where he served as a Budget Analyst and as Supervisor over Nuclear Planning, Inspection, and Internal Review in the Structural Group.

When the shipyard closed, he continued his federal service with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Charleston, working closely with the Chief of Naval Operations’ lead contact. After retiring from DFAS, Larry was invited to join the U.S. Department of State, traveling to U.S. embassies and consulates in Brazil, Italy, Spain, Jamaica, Panama, and Ukraine.

He later earned his Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Inspector (CEPSCI) certification through Clemson University, and conducted erosion and sediment control inspections for a local environmental compliance company — work that put him on job sites across the fast-growing Lowcountry.

A farmer, and a storyteller

Larry has been a lifelong farmer. He operated a farm in Ridgeville raising Polled Hereford and Black Baldy cattle, and still manages that farm today, home to several horses and his beloved mule, Jackson.

For more than two decades he has also shared his passion for history as a professional tour guide in downtown Charleston. Working with Bulldog Tours, he led countless tours — including special programs for handicapped children at the Old City Jail — along with tours of the Provost Dungeon and the Circular Church graveyard. Now semi-retired, he still leads historical and educational tours for local groups, including the Dorchester County Historical Society and Dorchester Academy.

Faith and community

Faith and community are at the heart of everything Larry does. A devoted Christian, he is an active member of Faith Ridgeville Church, where he serves as a greeter and usher. He has also served as administrator of Pine Grove Baptist Church, coordinated Crusade Ministries, and currently assists with local Methodist outreach programs including the Kindness Kitchen and the Cypress Campground Tabernacle Revival.

Why he’s running

Larry’s commitment to Dorchester County runs deep. His father, Lawrence W. Hoover, Sr., served on Dorchester County Council in the 1960s — then known as the Dorchester Council Board of Directors.

Larry is not a career politician. He is a respected community leader who was instrumental in improving safety at the dangerous intersection of Myers Mayo Road, Highway 78, and School Street in Ridgeville. After organizing a petition that gathered more than 600 signatures, he worked with local and state representatives to get a traffic light installed that has since saved lives. That work earned him the encouragement of state representatives, local leaders, and members of the business community to pursue the District 1 seat.

After prayerful consideration and discussions with his family, Larry decided he is ready to lead with integrity and a results-driven focus that puts the people of Dorchester County first.

“Progress comes from working together — neighbors, leaders, and communities united by shared purpose.”

Larry Hoover

While Larry knows no one can solve every issue, he promises to listen, work hard, and serve with honesty, transparency, and dedication. He’s ready to bring his experience, leadership, and faith to Dorchester County Council — working every day for the betterment of the place he proudly calls home.