Dr. Eugene Hooks

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Dr. Eugene Hooks, who left this world in peace on May 22, 2026, at Bermuda Village, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. Born to Gaylor and Selma in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on May 15, 1926, Eugene lived a century filled with love, passion, and dedication to his family, his faith, and his community. Eugene's early years laid the foundation for a life marked by achievement and service. He attended high school, though the records are unclear whether it was Rocky Mount High School or Goldsboro High School. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence led him to earn a Master's degree from the University of North Carolina and culminated in a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University's esteemed Peabody College. A proud veteran, Eugene served his country with honor in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947, a period that shaped his character and instilled in him the virtues of discipline and resilience. Eugene was a devoted member of Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC, where he worshipped for nearly two decades. His faith was an ever-present guide in his life, reflected in his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for his fellow congregants. An accomplished scholar and a passionate educator, Eugene's professional life was marked by a commitment to fostering knowledge and inspiring future generations. Yet, his life was rich with more than just academic pursuits. He was an avid athlete, finding joy and camaraderie in the sports of handball and golf, where he demonstrated not only skill but also sportsmanship and humility. Eugene was predeceased by his beloved first wife, Jean Knott Hooks, whose memory he cherished deeply throughout his life. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared dreams, leaving behind a legacy of enduring devotion and partnership. Eugene's family invites all who knew him to celebrate his remarkable life at a memorial service on April 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. The service will be held at Knollwood Baptist Church, located on Knollwood Street in Winston-Salem, NC—a place where Eugene found spiritual solace and community. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Eugene's memory to the Wake Forest Baseball Program, reflecting his love for sports and his belief in the power of athletics to shape young lives. As we bid farewell to Eugene, we hold close the special message from his family, shared by Brandy Hilton, who encapsulates the love and admiration they all feel: "Eugene's life was a testament to the strength of character, the depth of compassion, and the joy of living fully. He taught us to cherish each moment, to love deeply, and to leave the world better than we found it. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered." Dr. Eugene Hooks leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and an indelible impact on all who were fortunate enough to know him. His life was a beacon of light, and his memory will continue to inspire.