Harry Vernon Hooker, Jr.

Harry was born to Helen and Harry Vernon Hooker Sr. in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on June 20, 1938. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Harry; brother, Gene; nephew, Troy; wife Sharon and wife of 39 years, Lucille. He is survived by his sister, Sarah Elizabeth Hooker (Harry); son, Robert Vernon Hooker (Jennifer); daughter, Deborah Kay (Shrimp) Hooker Jackson (Dennis); sons, Leroy William Richter (Erin), Wesley Patrick Richter (Brittney); 7 grandchildren, Gage Wayne Jackson, Tyler Vernon Hooker, Dawson Vernon Jackson, Jody Lynn Hooker, Finley Patrick Richter, Mila Grace Richter and Kate Rose Richter; sister-in-law, Mary Hooker; nephews, Todd Vernon Hooker (Dawn), Harrison Justice Hooker and Blake Jamison Hooker; and numerous other relatives and longtime friends.

Harry played in a school band from second grade through college. In high school and in college he was the student conductor, a football kicker, student body representative and was voted “Boy Most Likely to Succeed” his senior year. Harry played his first professional dance job at the age of 15. Through high school, college and for a brief time after college he had his own dance band, “Harry Hooker and his Skynotes.” As a student leader Harry received a leadership award from the Pensacola Elks Club and an all-expense trip to the Boy Scout Jamboree in California. Harry was proud to be an Eagle Scout and Lodge Chief in the Order of the Arrow. Harry was offered a scholarship by the Boy Scouts of America after forming a scout troupe in Purvis, Mississippi. However, he accepted a scholarship to play in the University of Southern Mississippi Band. Harry sat first chair trombone in the Mississippi High School All State Band and played in the Southern Mississippi Band his senior year at Purvis High School.After his freshman year Harry transferred to Trinity University, graduating in 1960. As a member of the ROTC Program, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army. After a couple of years in the Army Reserve Harry was transferred on an assignment to the United States Air Force’s 433rd Troup Carrier Wing where he completed his 8-year obligation obtaining the rank of a Captain. The 433rd Troup did not have a band, so Harry organized one for the Wing. While serving in the military reserve program Harry began his career as a commercial design-build contractor and also received a diploma from the American Military Engineers.

He was proud that his company, Hooker Construction Company, constructed over one hundred church buildings, over a million square feet of industrial buildings, shopping centers and office buildings. Harry served on the Advisory Board of San Pedro Bank, the Advisory Board of Butler Manufacturing Company, and was a member of The Society of American Military Engineers.

After selling Hooker Contracting Company, he stayed active as a commercial real estate and farm ranch broker. After not playing for over 30 years, he began playing his bass for charities with a group of doctors and persons in the health care field named “The Band Aids”. He leaves behind a wonderful heartfelt legacy and will be missed dearly.

He could not have been prouder of his children and grandchildren. Harry always had a camera in his hands and enjoyed taking photos of his family and friends.

Harry was specially known as one of the most God-fearing, honorable, and kindest men on this earth.

CELEBRATION OF LIFEWEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 202410:00 A.M.HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH8134 BLANCO ROAD

Veteran burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery 17501 Nacogdoches Rd San Antonio, TX 78266 at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers please donate in his memory to one of his preferred charities; Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project, or Food For The Poor