Gerald J. Hooker

AIKEN, SC -- GERALD J. HOOKER, 68, beloved husband of Opal Cook Hooker died Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. Born in Columbia, SC, Gerald was a son of Frances Hooker Bennett and the late Javan Hooker. He grew up in Hampton, SC. He earned his B.S. and Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and his MBA from Harvard. Gerald was retired from Westinghouse at the Savannah River Site. He was a member of Millbrook Baptist Church and the Forestry Club. Gerald loved the outdoors which was evidenced in his hobbies of gardening, canoeing,woodworking, hiking and cycling. Survivors in addition to his wife, Opal include his mother, Frances Bennett, Hampton, SC, two daughters, Michelle Caveness (Bryant), Kingsport, TN and Sarah Hooker, Kingsport, TN, a son, Craig Hooker, Huntersville, NC, four grandchildren, Abigail, Caroline, Carly and Camden Caveness and two sisters, Kathy Johnson (Gerald), Isle of Palms, SC and June Bilka (Jimmy), Hampton, SC. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday at 1:30 PM at Millbrook Baptist Church with The Rev. Dr. Eddie Leopard officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org) or to a favorite charity. Please visit the online guest book at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com . SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald J. Hooker, please visit our flower store.