June 22, 65, Fremont

Gene Lester Hooks, 65, of Fremont, NC, passed away at home surrounded by family on Monday, June 22, 2020, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Gene was born in Wilson County in 1955 to the late Evelyn Mooring Hooks and Harold Martin Hooks, Sr. He was the youngest of three sons. Gene spent his life farming the Hooks family land. He loved nature, and appreciated the everyday wonder and beauty of the world. His kind, gentle, and loving soul enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Gene is survived by his wife Cheryl Hinton Hooks, of Fremont, NC; his five children Jennifer Johnson of Montclair, NJ, Megan Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; Lara Smith and husband Rob Smith of Apex, NC; Amy Johnson and husband Matthew King of Wake Forest, NC; and Kyle Hooks of Fremont, NC; his four grandsons, Marc-Roman Guercio, Fletcher Smith, Charles King, and Declan Smith; and his siblings, Martin Hooks and wife Dianne, and Tommy Hooks and wife Beth.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to 3HC Hospice Care and all of the people in the community who have shown their love and support during this time.

A private burial will be held in the Hooks Family Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit Gene’s “Caring Tree” at his home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the American Cancer Society.

The family is in the care of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home, 102 North Pine Street in Fremont.