John Edward "Buck" Hooker

Mr. John Edward "Buck" Hooker, age 75 of Sanford, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, December 12, 2024. 

The Obituary

Mr. John Edward "Buck" Hooker, 75, was born June 25, 1949, in Sanford, North Carolina to the union of Elwood and Elizabeth Hooker Sr. He grew up on Fire Tower Road as a child up the hill from his favorite family, The Johnsons. The family moved to Tempting Church Road, and he came up in Tempting Congregational Church.

John faithfully served many years as a guitarist at Works for Christ Christian Center and played professionally for many churches. He graduated from W.B. Wicker. He was a master tradesman; gifted in construction, masonry, mechanics, welding, and carpentry. He worked for one of the largest construction companies, Nello Teer, which earned him a feature in Construction magazine. He was a head gradesman and helped with the construction of highway 87, US-1, 421 to Greensboro, and highway 40. He transferred these skills to become a successful and sought after entrepreneur, owning and operating heavy machinery, including logging. He was one of the best all-around lead guitar players and a member of the Bell Tones of Joy quartet. He always spoke highly of Joe Nathan McKoy and Xavier Martin and admired their guitar skills.

John was a pillar of strength, friendship, and laughter. He was affectionately known to many as “Buck,” serving as a friend, father, and uncle to many in the community and would give willingly of his time to help others. To his family he will forever be the “strongest man we know,” compassionate protector, and to his grandchildren, their loving papa. 

John Edward Hooker entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sharon Ann Worrell Hooker; father, Elwood Hooker Sr.; sister, Eva Mae Hooker; and son-in-law, Joseph R. Ledbetter. 

John leaves a rich legacy and memories to his mother, Elizabeth H. Madison; children, Roderick (Tiffany) Hooker, Rodney (Kendra) Hooker, Randal (Tiana) Hooker, and Catondra Ledbetter;
grandchildren, Levonneta Hooker who was raised in the home with him his whole life, Rodney Hooker Jr., Randal (Arrianna) Hooker Jr., Joseph Ledbetter, Jr., Taliea Hooker, Khai Hooker,
Katiana Hooker, Corey Hooker, Oletta Hooker, Isaac Williams, Joshua Ledbetter, Daejah Hooker, Kaelani Hooker, Mylecieé Burton, Elijah Rollins, Timothy Reaves, Tre’Shawn Bowden, Jerrel
Horton, and Kyleigh Haynes; great-grandchildren, Brielle Hooker, Olivia Zawatzki, Kasen Hooker, Keleiyah Hooker, Zy’mere Martin, Aria Bellamy, Trey Bellamy, and Amria Hooker, God-child, Jordan Matthews; siblings, Elizabeth Wyatt, Elwood Jr. (Mary) Hooker, Lewis (Alice) Hooker, Lee (Joann) Hooker, Annie (Ralph) McNeill, Nathane Sr. (Donna) Hooker; special niece, Devona Hooker McKinney; favorite cousin, Frank Hubbard; best friend, Curtis Boykin, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC