Obituary of Willie J. Hooper

Willie James Hooper, also known as "BIG HAM or Will" was born on Thursday< March 16, 1933 in Smithville, NC to Annamae Shields and James Willie Hooper. He received his formal education in the Rayford Schools system and graduated from Upchurch high school in Rayford, NC in 1950. After graduating High school Will relocated to Philadelphia, PA insight of new adventures. Once there he began working for Whitman Chocolates and decided he wanted to further his adventures and enlisted in the united states Army and served for 4 years, 1952 thru 1955. While enlisted in the Army, Will was stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC and trained to be a mechanic. Upon returning from his duty of service, Will returned to Philadelphia, PA and rejoined Whitman Chocolates, where he remain for 18 years of employment. With his skills as a mechanic, Will was employed in 1968 at the Philadelphia Gas Works Company and served as a mechanic and a union representative for 30 years. During this time, Will became a proprietor of a paperhanging and painting company and also maintained a landscaping business and for a short period of time he was an egg salesman. Will always found a way to earn extra cash for his "Family Events". He planned special activities for his children's enjoyment and entertainment. They'd spend time going deep sea fishing & hunting with his sons and friends. Will provided well for his children and always instilled the value of working hard to achieve their goals. He would encourage them to follow their dreams for whatever they chose as a profession in their lives. Will enjoyed attending Family Events and kept active through his membership with the Winslow Township Club, Volunteers at Winslow Township School and PGW Retired Association. Most proudly he was a longtime member of Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church in Sicklerville, NJ until his health began to decline and he could no longer participate in those activities. Will leaves to cherish his memory his beloved partner of many years Ms. Marie Lawrence, six daughters: Wilahemina Scott-Hunter, Sharon Hooper, Elisher Davis, Denise Tucker, Lovie Watson, and Johnell Lawrence. Three sons: Willis Hooper, Calvin Hooper, and Brian Watson. Predeceased by his sister Annabelle Clark, Viola Holloway and brother in law Robert Moore. Daughter Patricia McGheen, great grand daughter Avriel McGhee and great grandson Parris Wellons. Fifteen grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren and one great grandchild due in September 2021, brother Johny Hooper (Mary), sister Jean Moore (Robert) military buddy of many years Mike Gorgon, close friend and fishing buddy Eugene Ellison. Along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Will was not a complainer and his favorite song was "I wont Complain"....Through the many storms, through the trials and tribulations in his final days, he lived his favorite song....He did not complain.