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Wlaf1450Leonard Roscoe Hooks
June 17, 1944 – September 7, 2025
Leonard Hooks—proud U.S. Army/Vietnam veteran, consummate outdoorsman, and witty storyteller—went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Senator Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Knoxville, TN. Although our family mourns that he is no longer here with us, we are thankful that he is fully healed and with Jesus!
The youngest child and only son of Leonard R. (Roscoe) and Hester Dilbeck Hooks, Leonard loved sports and the outdoors from a young age. He was always glad to help others and protective of his family, friends, and country. Sgt. Leonard R. Hooks was proud to serve the United States from 1962 to 1965 in Company “C”, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Division in Vietnam, Hawaii, and other locations. He later assisted his fellow veterans through his leadership in the local American Legion post and his support of other veteran organizations. His respect for his fellow servicemen and honor for the memory of those who did not return home were hallmarks of his life.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Leonard loved being outdoors! Family get-togethers often included fun Jeep excursions to some of Campbell and Claiborne counties’ most beautiful and remote scenic areas. He loved showing the natural beauty of East Tennessee to his sisters, nieces and nephews, and friends. He was passionate about responsible hunting and fishing and resource stewardship, and he particularly enjoyed hunting with and the companionship of several beloved dogs throughout his life. Leonard took several hunting trips to Canada and the western United States, and he was part of the team that helped reintroduce elk to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
He enjoyed following UT football and Kentucky basketball, and one of his great joys was cheering on his talented nieces and nephews (and later grandnieces and grandnephews!) in their league, school, and college softball and baseball games. His influence on these younger generations was immeasurable.
A talented and dedicated welder, he retired after many years working at the Y-12 Plant in Oak Ridge, TN. He was a proud and active member of Ironworkers 384 Union, Knoxville, TN. He also produced several beautiful artisan ironwork pieces for family members.
Leonard was a larger-than-life man. Adventurous and generous, he was always ready with a joke, story, or quip—a true raconteur! He will be greatly missed.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard R. and Hester Dilbeck Hooks; his grandson, whom he considered his son, Brian Huckaby; niece, Erika Silcox Lambert; and his beloved partner, Sharon White. Survivors include his sisters, Joan (Everette) Evans, Nell Badacour, and Mary (Paul) Silcox. Nieces/Nephews: Beverly Tackett, Angela Franklin, Jason Evans, Len Evans, Kat Badacour Thurman, Christy Badacour, Dan Badacour, Bob Badacour, Karen Coppock, and David Silcox. Grandnieces/Grandnephews: Richard Tackett; Samuel and Lacy Joan Franklin; Crystal Evans; Sydney Evans; Emily Badacour; Hannah and Sammy Bodenhorn; Brett and Trevor Badacour; Katherine, Elizabeth, and Thomas Coppock; Joshua and Nathan Lambert; Abby and Ian Silcox. Great-Great Niece and Nephew, Archer Badacour and Blair Bodenhorn.
The family wishes to thank the kind staff at Senator Ben Atchley Veterans’ Home.
Family and Friends will meet, 1:30 PM Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Cross-Smith Funeral Home and proceed to Woodlawn Cemetery for 2:30 PM Graveside Services and Interment, Rev. Dale Baker officiating. Military Honors to be given by Honor Guard of Campbell County
Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home
Condolences to the family of Leonard Hooks may be given at http://www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com