Clarence Thomas Hooper

Clarence Thomas Hooper Sr., age 67 of Murphy, passed away June 1, 2017 at Erlanger Medical Center. Clarence was born to John Ben and Edna Hooper on June 7, 1949 in Graham County, NC. He was raised in a large family with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Being a simple man, book learning was never of importance to him. By trade, he was an expert mechanic and had talent in many other construction areas. His deep love for farming, mechanics, animals, and his treasures; that many would consider junk, taught him an abundance of knowledge. "Common sense is not so common," this is something he was blessed with. He was hardworking, strong, loving yet gentle. God blessed Clarence with a Godly lady they were married in Walhalla, SC. on March 16, 1968. Together, with Linda Lolita West Hooper, he began a life and family. Clarence Thomas Hooper Jr. (Tommy) was born in 1969. Then following him, Michelle Laura Ann was born in 1971. Our Heavenly Father loaned them Anthony Mark for three months to bless the family. Christy Joy was born in 1977, helping to heal their hearts. Shirley Lynn completed the family in 1979.
One of the biggest lessons Clarence taught his children was the value of hard work. He was truly proud of his children. All attended college and continued their education into more than one career area. The lessons of gardening, cutting firewood, working in hay, caring for many different types of animals, and more are priceless to his family. Memories of visits to the Hooper Bald to pick huckleberries, making snow cream and him leaving something from lunch in his lunch box for Shirley to find when he came home; are just a few memories that will always remain special. Clarence and Linda are a beautiful example of "a family that prays together, stays together." March 2018 will mark the 50th Anniversary of a love that endured. God was the center of his home and his children were taken to church faithfully. Clarence remains a member of the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Robbinsville, NC. After moving to Cherokee County in 2010 to be closer to family; he attended Canyon Road Baptist Church, as his health allowed.
A deep love for his family always helped him to keep up his fight for life. He was a family man who loved all of his children and grandchildren. This included biological, bonus, adopted and foster alike. He enjoyed 40 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Showing strength and love right up to the last days; he set an example for them. June 7, 2017 he would have celebrated 68 years and his grandson Rocket's 12th Birthday. Carter John Ben Hooper, his 7 year old grandson carries on his legacy with the Hooper last name. Every grandchild starting with his grandson Jimmy, to the youngest baby Scott, had very special relationships with him. Through each life he touched, he will live on. He leaves his wife, Linda W. Hooper, children, Tommy and Kimberly Hooper, Gary and Michelle White, Ishmel and Christy Meade, and Scott and Shirley Hinton; who look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
Clarence Thomas Hooper Sr. had an extraordinary desire to fight sickness and stay on earth with his family. For the last 29 years, he endured and fought cancer; continuing the battle the entire time with many harsh treatments. Soon after being diagnosed with cancer, he had a major heart attack while at work at the Master's Mission. He lost a large percentage of his heart's functions with the first heart attack, but he continued to survive multiple heart attacks during his fight. He received a pacemaker/defibrillator in 2009. Clarence developed many additional health problems such as c.o.p.d., sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, back issues, and more while fighting, but he never considered giving up. Philippians 3:14 (KJV) "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ." comes to mind when describing Clarence's perseverance. Over the last week of his life, he continued to try, even after his earthly body had worn out; he did not give up.
Funeral services: Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Canyon Road Baptist Church, Marble, NC with the Rev. J.B. Smith, Rev. Donald Colvard, Rev. Homer Wilson and Rev. Mark McClain officiating. Music provided by Rachel McClain, Ann Hooper and Breeze Hinton. Interment will follow in Old Mother's Cemetery in Robbinsville, NC. Pallbearers will be Danny Wayne Mason, Johnny Postell, Morgan Moose, Tristen Waldroup, Justin Waldroup, Joey LeQuire and Tate Moose. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Holder, Ronnie Hurt, Alan Postell and Lawrence English.
The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. Sunday, June 4, 2017 from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.