William DeLeon “Hoop” Hooper, age 94 of Albertville passed away on October 15, 2018. The Son of A.B. Hooper Jr. And Ruth Claybrooke Hooper, he was born March 26, 1924. Hoop went to Albertville High School where he played football and was a graduate of the class of 1941.
Hoop was in the United States Army from 1943-1946 where he served in WWII under General George S. Patton. He then attended the University of Alabama under the GI Bill and obtained his degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he returned to Albertville where he worked for Hooper Insurance Agency and WQSB/WAVU radio. He started working as an Electrical Engineer at Redstone Arsenal in 1968 and worked there until his retirement. He was a licensed Ham Radio Operator and enjoyed talking to and collecting postcards from fellow Ham Operators from all over the world. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Albertville for over 50 years, where he served as both an Elder and a Deacon. He also taught Sunday School and was known as the Chief Coffee Maker. During his retirement he enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with war stories, cheering for the Crimson Tide, singing old songs, and visiting with his family.
Hoop was preceded in death by his parents, his brother; A.B. Hooper III, and his son William DeLeon “Bill” Hooper Jr. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rosemary Prickett Hooper, children; Linda & Bill Jeff, Frank “Smitty” & Rickie Smith, Patti Smith Lawson, & William “Will” Smith, grandchildren; Amanda Lawson, Josh & Amanda Hooper, Jonathan & April Jeff, Patrick & Stephanie Jeff, Riley & Leigh Ellen Davis, Sean & Gina Hooper, Weston & Dakota Smith & Emma Smith, 9 Great-grandchildren. He will be interred at Memory Hill Cemetery in Albertville on Saturday, October 20 at 11:00 am, where a small graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice or Presbyterian Children’s Home in Talladega: PO Drawer 577 Talladega, Al 35161.
