Walter Jackson (Jack) Hooks III passed away peacefully on his 83rd birthday, December 6, 2024.
Jack was born in Wilson on December 6, 1941. The youngest of two children born to The Honorable Judge Walter Jackson Hooks, Jr. and Marie Cobb Hooks, Jack was proud of his eastern NC roots in the towns of Kenly and Elm City, both places in which his family was entrenched in the founding.
Jack bore witness to the brilliance and intensity of his father’s legal career and his mother’s consummate hospitality within the family home, providing him with a plethora of wonderful stories for his children and grandchildren, who hung on every word with eager anticipation. Jack also loved his elder sister, Kathryn, and remained devoted to her all his life.
Jack grew up in a neighborhood where he was instilled with the values of honesty, loyalty to friends and family, and a love of the Lord. Indeed, Jack belonged to a “motley crew” of Kenly boys that included Jimmy Bailey, Brinson Hunter, John Edgerton, Claude Gillikin, Jimmy Waddell, and many others whose friendship and memory he valued all his life.
Jack was a proud member of the Kenly High School Class of 1960, completing further study at Riverside Military Academy and Wake Forest University. Jack remained a fanatical fan of “the Deacs” for the rest of his life.
Jack served as a pilot for BB&T and the United States government, where his skill and dedication were admired by his colleagues and the country he proudly served. He was also a respected and devoted member of the National Guard, serving with honor and commitment.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack was a passionate golfer and fisherman, while he was happiest playing in the sand and surf of Wrightsville and Atlantic Beach with his children and grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his sons, Walter Jackson Hooks IV and wife, Shelby of Wilson, and Dr. Jonathon Woodard Hooks of Northport, Alabama; adoring grandchildren, Walter Jackson Hooks V and Holly Boswell Hooks, both of Raleigh; and beloved sister, Kathryn Hooks Sandifer and husband, Joe of Tucker, Georgia; as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Referred to affectionately as “Gaga” by his two grandchildren, Jack was the self-crowned King of “grandpa jokes”, even when only he and the grandkids were the ones to catch on to this special brand of humor.
A graveside service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Kenly Cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following the service for a time of visiting and sharing.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to Kenly Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 727, Kenly, NC 27542 in memory of Jack.
Services have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral Service. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.kenlyfs.com.