Harold Theodore "Ted" Hooks

Harold Theodore "Ted" Hooks, 76, of Anniston, formerly of Charlotte, NC, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023. Ted was a 1965 graduate of Harding (NC) High School. Following graduation, Ted enrolled at East Carolina University. As a sophomore, he was elected president of his class and was editor of the university newspaper, a position normally held by an upperclassman. After serving in the United States Coast Guard as a hospital corpsman in Vietnam as an EMT and as a journalist for the Charlotte Observer, Ted graduated with his BS from the University of South Alabama. He also completed court reporting school in Texas. On his way back home to Charlotte, his car broke down in Anniston AL. During what was supposed to be a short stop, Ted fell in love with Anniston and ultimately decided to make it his home. He eventually started his own court reporting services, Hooks & Associates, and made many longtime friends. In 1994, he was elected as the Calhoun County Circuit Clerk. After several reelections and 6-year terms, Ted retired in 2013.
Ted was always the life of the party and never met a stranger. He always sought to understand and sympathize with the people he met. However, his primary goal was to help others feel comfortable and bring levity or laughter into even the most difficult situations. At his daughter's wedding, awaiting the opportunity to walk her down the aisle, he noticed that she was incredibly nervous and concerned about her appearance. So, Ted turned to his nervous daughter to offer reassurance, but couldn't resist. Instead, he adopted a nervous expression, began fidgeting with his bald head and asked the bride, "How does my hair look?" This immediately put Cara at ease and brought a huge smile to her face, right as he began walking her down the aisle. That was the essence of Ted - a true and hilarious friend who always put everyone at ease, and more often than not, left the crowd laughing. Ted was also a member of Parker Memorial Baptist Church and the Anniston Rotary Club.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Helen Hooks, of Charlotte, NC, and his brother, Gary Hooks.
Survivors include his wife with whom he has been with for 42 years, Brenda Ginn Hooks; his daughter, Cara Hooks Barber and her husband, Robert, of St. Augustine, FL; a stepson, Hayes Jackson, of Anniston; two grandchildren, Connor and Abigail Barber, of St. Augustine, FL; his brother, James "Jimmy" Hooks and his wife, Sally Ann, of Raleigh, NC; beloved nieces and nephews, Tracie Bays and her husband, John, Jason Hooks, Heather Bonavita and her husband, Paul, and Hannah Rowland and her husband, Pete; and Ted's beloved lap dog, Miss Pearl.
Funeral services will be at 11 am on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at K.L. Brown Memory Chapel in Golden Springs with Ray Harris officiating.
If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Salvation Army or to the Anniston Soup Bowl.
Family and friends are invited to share personal tributes or fond memories of Ted at www.klbrownmemorychapel.com.
K.L. Brown Memory Chapel
620 Golden Springs Road
Anniston, AL 36207
(256) 231-2334