TOMMY HOOKS
Died Aug. 7, 2006
WINTERVILLE -- Ernest J. "Tommy" Hooks, 85, died Monday, August 7, 2006.
The funeral will be conducted on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park.
Mr. Hooks, a native of Pitt County, served in the United States Army from September 2, 1942 - February 1, 1946. As a training sergeant, he helped train 11 groups of men that were sent to war, and he later served as an Infantry Sergeant for 1 1/2 years with the 5th Infantry, 71st Division, in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
After his military service, he returned home to Winterville and married Ann B. Byrum on March 9, 1946. He then began his lifelong career of farming, a job he enjoyed until his retirement in the mid 90's. His advice and knowledge of farming were sought after the rest of his years, well after his retirement.
Mr. Hooks served on the Pitt County Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Committee for 15 years and received numerous awards for crop growing and high yields. He was also a member of the Winterville Kiwanis Club for 35 years, where he had 21 years of perfect attendance and served on numerous events to serve the community.
Mr. Hooks was a member of Reedy Branch Free Will Baptist Church since 1948 and a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. He served on the Official Board, Deacon Board and Maintenance Committee for many years, as well as secretary and treasurer of the Sunday School Department for 27 years. He was honored by the church for 24 years of service as a deacon on "Tommy Hooks Day".
Mr. Hooks was a longtime respected member of the Winterville community. Affectionately known as "Tommy", he involved himself in many aspects of community life. His bright, comforting smile made him a friend to many people. His greatest loves were his family and his church, as well as a great passion for people. He loved hard work and seeing the good he could do for others.
Mr. Hooks is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann B. Hooks; daughter, Dorothy Hooks Evans and husband, Keith, of Mount Olive; son, Ashley T. Hooks and wife, Diane, of Wilson; granddaughter, Cassie Evans Williamson and husband, Jarrod, of Wilmington; sisters, Louise Hooks Stox and Estelle Hooks Thorpe, both of Winterville; brothers, Lee Arnold "Pete" Hooks and wife, Eleanor, of Greenville and Linwood E. Hooks and wife, Joan, of Winterville.
The family will receive friends Wednesday (today) from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Reedy Branch Free Will Baptist Church, 4464 Reedy Branch Road, Winterville, N.C., 28590; or to Winterville Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 613, Winterville, N.C., 28590.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on August 9, 2006 2:01 PM