Obituary of Eddy Hooper

We are sad to announce the passing of Eddy Louis Hooper on November 16, 2022 in Greensboro, North Carolina after suffering complications with pneumonia. He was 77 years old. Eddy Louis Hooper is a U.S. Air Force Veteran, U.S. Parks Historian, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Leader, and Friend to many. Eddy was born on May 19, 1945 to Thomas and Essie May Hooper in Harlem, New York. After Eddy graduated from high school in 1963, he went on to study at Penn State University. While living in Philadelphia, PA, he played basketball with the greats such as Lou Alcindor, Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain, and Earl the Goat Manigault to name a few. There he also met the love of his life, Vernalee (Snookie) Hooper. Eddy and his wife later moved to Staten Island, NY where they lived for more than 40 years while raising their family. Along with his service in the U.S. Air Force, he worked as a Lab Technician at Proctor and Gamble and as a Pharmacy Technician at St. Vincent's Medical Center. Ultimately, Eddy retired as a Historian Tour Guide for the United States Parks Service. Eddy was an active member of the North Shore Church of Christ before moving to Greensboro, NC. At Northshore, he was affectionately known as Brother Hooper. Eddy was a dedicated church member who served in various capacities where needed. He was a true man of God who loved the Lord and enjoyed fellowshipping with his church community. Eddy loved music, swimming, traveling (which included driving to his favorite US destinations), cruising abroad, and spending time with his family. He was an enthusiastic chess player, loved reading his Bible, and challenging his mind with crossword puzzles. Eddy had a heart of gold and gave freely of anything and everything he had. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. With a very big sense of humor, it was not uncommon for Eddy to entertain others by sharing funny stories and jokes. Family was always his main priority. Eddy loved and adored his family; especially his wife Snookie, and leaves behind happy memories to be cherished by many. Eddy Louis Hooper was predeceased by Thomas and Essie May Hooper, his brothers Thomas Hooper Jr, Bobby Hooper, Calvin Hooper, Alex Hooper, and his sons Khari Hooper, David Austin (Poppy). He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Vernalee Hooper, his sister Roberta Hooper of Ravina, NY, his sons Eddy Louis Hooper Jr. (Brenda) of Dayton, Ohio, Vernon Austin of Staten Island NY, Adraine Austin of Mooresville, NC, Jonathan Austin (Shanita) of Gastonia, NC and his daughter Shakira Hooper (Jerome) of Staten Island, New York, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. The family will receive friends on November 22, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Scamardella Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Brother Willie Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Silver Mount Cemetery. The family welcomes flowers and cards.