William W. "Bill" Hooper

After one last trip across his beloved Gulf of Mexico, William Woodrow “Bill” Hooper went in peace to meet his Maker on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. A 43-year resident of Tarpon Springs, Bill was born in St. Petersburg on August 14, 1932 to Harry Hooper and Margaret Williams Hooper, the youngest of nine children. On August 3, 1953 he married the love of his life and future business and life partner, the former Julia Wyolene Smith. Following his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he worked as a commercial fisherman and construction worker in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. In 1961, Bill founded Pinellas Pools, one of Florida’s most respected commercial pool building companies, still in operation today under the direction of his sons.

Bill dedicated his life to caring for his family, his fellow man, his community and, most passionately, the children in the care of Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. In 1955, he became a Master Mason, in 1966 he received his Scottish Rite Degrees and was created a Noble of Egypt Temple Shrine, and in 1971 he received his York Rite Degrees. In 1993, the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite Bodies recognized Bill for his work as a Freemason and honored him by making him a 33rd degree mason.

Bill had a long and illustrious career as a Shriner. He served as a Director of the Egypt Temple Shrine from 1974-1980; he was appointed Recorder in 1979 and served as Potentate in 1985. He was appointed Director General of the Shrine Director’s Association in 1976, and served as its President in 1979-80. He was elected Deputy Secretary/Treasurer in 1982, and faithfully served in that capacity for 17 years. Bill helped to organize the Florida Shrine Directors Association, and served as President in 1980 and 1981. He also served as President of the Florida Shrine Association in 1987. He was created a Jester in the Royal Order of Jesters – Tampa Court 89 in 1993.

At Shriner’s International, Bill was appointed an Imperial Marshall’s Aide in 1983, and continued to serve in that capacity until his passing. Bill served as Secretary of the Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa from 1994-2002, and is an Emeritus member of the board. Bill is also an Emeritus Representative of the Colorado Corporation which oversees the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children throughout the United States and in Mexico and Canada.

In 2007, he was awarded the Imperial Potentate’s “Award of Merit” an honor bestowed annually to up to only 5 Shriners out of the more than 350,000 in its membership. The highest award in the Shrine fraternity, it honors individuals which have had significant accomplishments and made selfless contributions to the Shrine and Shriners Hospitals.

He was most proud of his service as a Shriner, providing for his family, his three children, and the 17 boats he owned throughout his lifetime. When the natural stresses of life became too great, he took to his “golf game” – commercial fishing, and a lifetime on and around the water. An avid country music fan, he spent his last days on Earth living life to its fullest: with his wife, who he cared deeply for, on a Country Music Cruise traveling through the Gulf and Caribbean listening to Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood and Brenda Lee.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years Wyolene, 3 children Sheila (Alec) Neisler, William Woodrow (Woody) Hooper, Jr., Robert Wade Hooper, 3 grandchildren William Woodrow (Billy) Hooper, III, and his wife Ashlee, Julie Jo Anne Neisler and Wade Anthony Hooper, and one great-grandchild Audra Suzanne Hooper, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill was also grateful for the care, love and support throughout the years from his former daughter-in-law Paulette Hooper.

The family will gather to welcome friends on Friday, February 10 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Meadowlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens (www.NorthMeadowlawnFuneral.com) at 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, Florida, 34652. Funeral services and a reception will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the same location. During the service, as Bill would want it, we will be singing one final rendition of “Butter Beans” with him.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shriner’s Children Hospital – Tampa, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612.