We are confident, I say, and be willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
David E. Hooks, 78, of Elizabethton, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Johnson City Medical Center. He joins the Lord along with his parents, Paul and Sarah Hooks; brother, Robert Hooks; infant brother; Johnny Hooks; infant son; two infant grandsons; and one infant great-granddaughter.
Mr. Hooks was a member of East Park Baptist Church and attended Fairview Baptist Church until health no longer allowed regular attendance. He was a member of the Plumber and Pipefitters Local 538 and worked as a journeyman pipefitter until retirement. He served in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller. He was a member of the American Legion Post 49. He enjoyed football, wrestling and NASCAR racing. He found most enjoyment in following his son and grandsons playing sports and was their biggest fan. He was very proud of his grandchildren and their academic achievements.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Hooks, of the home; two daughters, Cheryl Hooks and Lisa (Craig) Larimer; one son, Micheal (Lora) Hooks; five grandsons, Patrick (Ashley) Larimer, Tyler (Amber) Hooks, Adam Larimer, Jason Larimer and John David Hooks; five great-grandchildren, Allie, David, Sampson, Cypress Larimer and Azzy Hooks; two sisters, Margaret Hooks and Kathern Hooks; and three brothers, Arnold (Mescal) Hooks, Raymond (Becky) Hooks and Clay (Ruth) Hooks. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A service to honor the life of Mr. Hooks will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Gary Roe officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. Music will be under the direction of Ganelle Hooks. Friends may also call at the residence at any time. The graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at East Tennessee Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Craig Larimer, Bryson Oliver, Frank Hooks, Chad Hooks, Josh Broyles, Johnny Burleson, David Lacey, Bob Trimm, Calvin Hyder and Dekota Whistine. Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Hooks, Adam Larimer, Jason Larimer and John David Hooks. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday for the graveside service. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark Williams, Dr. Kamesh Sivagnanam, Loren Barrett, Sycamore Shoals Hospital Emergency Department Doctors, Nurses and Respiratory Therapist, the Medical and Nursing Staff of Johnson City Medical Center Intensive Care Unit 2600, Stepdown Unit 2400, Progressive Care Unit 2500 and Bob and Melissa Trimm. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Fairview Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 585 Watauga Road, Watauga, TN 37694. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Hooks and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.