Edward Allen Hooker

Edward Allen Hooker, age 89, was born October 15, 1928, to the late Willie and Lessie Whitfield Hooker in Goldsboro, NC.  He departed this life peacefully at home with his family at his side on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 2:00 am.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 21, 2018 at noon at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  Interment with military honors will follow at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro.  The family will receive friends Monday from 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Edward graduated from Dillard High School in Goldsboro and was later drafted into the United States Army in 1950.  During his tour of duty in the Korean War, he was critically wounded in combat and was rewarded the Purple Heart for his courage and dedication in the face of mortal danger.

After proudly serving his country, Edward returned home and married Dorothy Hollingsworth.  The couple settled in St. Albans, NY, where he began his general contracting business, as well as his family.  He was a loving, supportive husband and dedicated father who cherished his family and would often say with a big smile  “I’ve got all my girls home!”  He even treasured the family poodles (who were girls too) and later in life delighted in his dogs as a source of therapy and comfort.  Also while in New York, he enjoyed serving as a community scout leader.

After 28 years in New York, they returned to Goldsboro in 1978.  Edward began attending Antioch Baptist Church with his wife and served as an usher for many years.  More recently, they joined Abundant Grace Church in Dudley where he was considered to fill the role of a Deacon.

He will be greatly missed as a loving husband, precious father, devoted brother, big-hearted uncle and great brother-in-law.

Edward was one of seven siblings of which six preceded him in death; Nathanial, Charles, William, Viola, Louise and Sadie.  He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dorothy Hollingsworth Hooker, Goldsboro, NC, four daughters, Edwina Hooker of Charlotte, NC, Doris Hooker Hunte of Durham, NC, Madelyn Hooker Butler (Philip) of Garner, NC and Sara Kaye Watson of Florida; seven grandchildren, Jasmine Parrish, Edward Hunte, Matthew Butler, Phylicia Butler, Theodore Butler, Terrence Watson and Heather Watson, one great grandchild, TJ Watson and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Abundant Grace Church, 221 Durham Lake Road, Dudley, North Carolina 28333 or to the Disabled American Veterans Goldsboro Chapter, P.O. Box 1111, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27533-1111.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.

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