Vietnam Veteran, Corporal Billy Ray Hooks, passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 at home. He was born on March 3, 1946 in Anderson County, TN to Harvey and Maudie Braden Hooks. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps. He received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Bill was a member of Indian Bluff Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. As his grandson said, "This man was inspirational, a U.S. Marine, a great human being, a husband, a grandfather, and gun expert. He lived with valor and he left with honor." Bill was also a beloved brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd Hooks; and sisters, Trudy Singleton and Betty Hilditch; niece, Cathy Louse Hooks, and nephews Benny H. Carter, Brian Hooks and, Danny Lee Duncan. Survivors: wife of 20 years, Jewel Hooks of Clinton; children, Boyd Phillips and wife Brandy Phillips, Becky Bailey and husband Bill Bailey, Monica Alley, Leigh Ann Baird and husband Derrick Baird, Anthony Hill and wife Carmen Hill; grandchildren, Nathan Phillips, Stephanie Bailey, Aaron Bailey, Cody Phillips, Logan Alley, Elizabeth Baird, Natalie Baird, Noah Baird, Bailey Phillips, Brenna Phillips, Jackson Hill, Lincoln Hill, and Avery Hill; great-grandchildren, Breanna Phillips and Allison Tedder; sister, Rosemary Adkins and husband Jim; brother, Bobby Hooks; special nephews, Wally Braden and wife Misty, Roger Hooks and wife Bonnie; special friend, Mark Meece; several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to UT Hospice for their care, and all friends, neighbors, and friends who visited Bill while he was ill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Campbell County Honor Guard. Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City. Funeral service: 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Hatmaker Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Sharp and Roger Hooks officiating. Interment: Family and Friends will meet at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 10:15 a.m. to go in procession to Indian Bluff Cemetery for Billy's graveside service with Military Honors presented by the Campbell County Honor Guard. You can also view Billy's guestbook at www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com. Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, TN in charge of arrangements.
Published in Knoxville News Sentinel on Dec. 8, 2016