 Re-elected in 1912 and 1920, Hoke was appointed chief justice on June 2, 1924 by Governor Cameron Morrison, upon the death of Walter Clark.Although he was elected chief justice in November 1924, Hoke resigned in March 1925 due to failing health.He died on September 13, 1925 and is buried in St. Luke's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Lincolnton, North Carolina.