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Obituary For SFC William "Bill" VanHooks Jr.
Sergeant First Class (SFC) William “Bill” VanHooks, Jr. was born 9 June 1955 in Memphis, TN to William and Mardest (Knowles) VanHooks. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was an alumnus of Douglass High School class of 1973. It was here that he became a JROTC cadet, that changed the course of his life thereafter. After high school, William voluntarily enlisted into the U.S. Army, after having served 22 years active duty, Bill retired in 1995. Immediately following his active-duty service, he initiated the EVSC Army Junior ROTC program, as the original founding instructor, and retired in 2017 after 22 years of service to the Evansville community. He wanted to give back to the program that got him out of the gangs in Memphis and started him on the path to teaching youth how to be today’s leaders.
William loved God and Country and was fully committed to both. As a member of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, he sang in the male chorus. He was a Paid Up For Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and The American Legion (TAL), serving the American Legion as the Dept. of Indiana JROTC Chairman, 8th District Vice-Commander (West Division), 8th District Chaplain, and Past Commander of the American Legion Otis Stone Post 354. He was a fraternal member of the Masons Prince Hall Hub City Lodge 172. Additionally, William was a Kentucky Colonel and was part of the Veterans History Project – American Memory in which his veteran interview with former Senator Richard Lugar is catalogued in the Library of Congress. On February 3, 2021 he was named the Veteran of the Day.
William is preceded in death by infant Baby Boy VanHooks, son, Marlon VanHooks, mother, Mardest VanHooks and brother, Andrew VanHooks. His life will be remembered with love by his “Happily Ever After” wife, Diana Patrick VanHooks, six children; William (Sylvia)VanHooks III, Mordecai (Gia) Miller, Preston (Tiffany) VanHooks, Michael Eric Miller, Jennifer VanHooks-Jones, Micah Ethan Miller; 11 grand-children, father, William VanHooks, Sr.; siblings; Glendolyn (Philip) Newmuis, Ronald (Carol) VanHooks, Rhea (Greg) Foster, Marcia (Melvin) Thurmon, and Cedric (Catrina) VanHooks, Sr.; aunts, Barbara (Lawrence) Fugh, Elma (Robert) Walker and Cynthia Russell, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, the EVSC Army JROTC program, military veterans and friends from around the world. Memorial Services held Friday, November 5, at Calvary COGIC, 1532 Ellington St, Memphis, TN 38108. Visitation 10:00 - 11:59 AM. Funeral immediately following at 12 noon. Interment at Memphis National Cemetery, 3568 Townes Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122 with full military rites.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Operation Comfort Warriors. https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Give/Donate-Online/Donate-Now?CashProductld=134418
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceDad aka Pops,
Words can't express the love I have for you. I'll no longer be able to hear that infectious laugh or just needing advice on how to handle situations at my job. I'm am the NCO I am because of what you helped instill in me as young cadet. Having two Father figures was the biggest blessing I've had to be where I am today. You were so awesome and always so positive. I love you Dad and I'm going to miss you dearly.
Sargent VanHooks was my mentor, I've learned so much from him while in JROTC at Central. A few yours ago, my wife and I were eating lunch at DQ and I hear this familiar voice. I look up and there was Sargent. I stood up, hugged and introduced him to my wife. She's heard stories and I was happy she was able to meet him. It's been 18 years since I was in high school and, to this day, I still tell stroes about my time with Sargent. Hearing of his passing devastated me. All my love and strength goes to the VanHooks family.
SFC Vanhooks was an amazing man. He was many things to many people. To me he was a leader, a teacher, a mentor, and in the end of my high school days my friend. He saved me from myself. When my grandpa passed away the year prior to meeting Sergeant I had given up on trying. My grades were slipping, I was getting into trouble, and I would have never graduated. He helped pull me out of depression to become the man I am today. A man I know he would be proud of. For that I could never thank him enough or pay him back. Rest In Peace and keep that brass shining HOO-AH!
He made huge impact on my life. When I would have trouble times he would pull me aside and give the best advice. I and so many others will always remember what a great man he was. Until we meet again. My thought and prayers are with the Vanhooks family.
SFC VanHooks is still one of few men in my life that made a huge impact on my life the way he did. He didn't put up with much and insisted the best from me. I found it easier and easier to find out who I was and how to get it done!! My son knows your name, Sarge... I'm sorry he never got to meet you! God bless your family as we leave you to His care!!
Sending my love and condolences to the VanHooks Family. May your beautiful memories of Sarge live on in your hearts. Rest easy William "Sarge VanHooks. You are greatly missed. Kimberly Dickerson
Sending my love and condolences to the VanHooks Family. May your beautiful memories of Sarge live on in your hearts. Rest easy William "Sarge VanHooks. You are greatly missed. Kimberly Dickerson
Sending my love and condolences to the VanHooks Family. May your beautiful memories of Sarge live on in your hearts. Rest easy William "Sarge VanHooks. You are greatly missed.
Our prayers and condolences to the Vanhooks family.
Rest in peace Sarge.
Tyrone Payne and Kawain Payne
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You have my sincere condolences and are consistently in my prayers. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you at this time.
A Great Man, walking wisdom and a pillar of this nation. Rest well brother.
He was a great leader. Taught many of us in jrotc. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife. Rest easy First Sargent.
Sergeant taught a lot of young kids about being great men and women. I will always cherish the time and energy he spent with the Central JROTC cadets. Hope he and his family find peace knowing he is with God and can watch over us all in heaven. Zach Wilson
Prayers and condolences 🙏 to The Vanhooks family. Keith Eppenger
William (Sarge) was a Great Man I remember him singing his last solo at Church, his Father was there and he mentioned his Father for everyone to see. He was a Good Husband to Diane,We all loved him at Liberty Baptist Church.Absent from the Body is Present whith The Lord. You have our Sincere Sympathy, From Sis.Charlotte and Bro. Chester Graves.
He was a great leader in every aspect of life. A great friend that will truly be missed!Rest in peace my brother!
My condolences and prayers to the Vanhooks family. I love my Fairfax families forever.
Annette Jones
I love you Uncle Bill! You will always stay in our hearts and all the great memories. ❤️ Ril UNC
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
