Ronald J. Hooker

Ronald J. Hooker passed away May 30, 2011, after a long illness at the Bailey Center for Caring.

Ronnie was born Feb. 27, 1940, in Montrose, Colo., to MSgt. James C. Hooker Sr. and Eddie Lou Norton. He moved to St. Augustine when he was three days old.

A typical Army brat of the era, he spent his childhood in many places, including El Paso, Texas, Cape Cod, Mass., and Japan, but always called St. Augustine home.

Ronnie served in the United States Army for several years, initially working with tanks and heavy ordinance before becoming a member of the 5th Special Forces Group as an adviser in the early years of the Vietnam War. He returned to St. Augustine and served in the Florida National Guard and worked for the National Park Service.

During this time, he helped construct the replica of the city"s defensive wall that now stands on the grounds of the Castillo de San Marcos.

In 1965, he became a fireman with the St. Augustine Fire Department and spent the next three decades deciding what he wanted to be when he grew up. Ronnie was honored as the SAFD Fireman of the Year in 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service.

An avid outdoorsman and lover of nature, Ronnie spent more time than anyone can remember kayaking the Suwannee River, exploring Cumberland Island, roaming around the Florida Everglades, and "intentionally" getting lost on innumerable back roads and game trails in between.

In the early "80s he set aside his hunting rifle and became an integral member of one of the areas predominate wildlife rehabilitation organizations, recognized by many specifically for his tireless work with injured bald eagles. In the mid-"80s, he worked with a group of wildlife experts affiliated with Cornell University to accurately document the local bald eagle population.

In his later years, he became an accomplished fly fisherman and was recognized by many anglers as crafting some of the finest fishing flies in Florida.

Of all of his attributes, Ronnie"s ever-present grin and all-encompassing sense of humor were the best known and most appreciated.

He is survived by a loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Connie Hooker; two sons, Chris and Matthew Hooker; a daughter-in-law; one granddaughter; brother, James C. Hooker Jr.; and a multitude of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

At Ronnie"s request, there will be no services. He will rest with his brother, Don, along the beaches of Cumberland Island, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice in Ronnie"s name would be appreciated.

Ronnie left very specific instructions for all of his friends and family to follow in the event of his passing: "Don"t worry about me, just go fishing."

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is assisting the family.