Major Brantley Hooper

With broken hearts, we ask for your prayers as we share the unimaginable loss of a special little boy, Major Brantley Hooper, a beloved son, grandson, and great-grandson, who passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 7 years old. On this day, he was entrusted into God's loving embrace, and we give thanks for the joy and happiness he has brought into so many lives.

Major was born on March 1, 2018, and every moment of his life has been like a beautiful ray of sunshine, touching all of us with his sweet and loving personality, his radiant smile, and his gentle spirit. Major has lived his life with zest and bravery and has inspired more people than one could ever imagine. From the beginning of his precious life's journey, Major has shown us what it means to be courageous and have a trusting faith. He taught us all how to be MAJORSTRONG. He loved and believed in Jesus every day and was a bright light in this world.

Major was adventurous- loving to ride side by sides, going fishing with his daddy, always excited about Monster Jam, the PBR, and playing baseball. He loved to watch YouTube, and his favorite off-road channel was AdrenalineJunkieProd. His beautiful eyes would light up with excitement, and the sounds of his laughter could make even the darkest day feel bright. He also loved music and concerts, Nerf guns, spending time with his friends, and playing with his dogs, Haze, Storm, Ally, and Ryley. Major was always so happy to head off to his 2nd grade class at Bethel Elementary School, where he was a friend to everyone. His presence will be missed every single day by his classmates and his teachers, who loved him so.

What truly defined Major was his kind and loving heart. In the words of his mommy and daddy, "He was kind to everyone." His life journey may have been only 7 years, but it was filled with more love and faith than many experience in a long lifetime. Major taught us how to be caring, kind, and brave. He has taught us the importance of finding joy in every moment we have together and to be thankful for each day. Every season of God's wonder will remind us of Major, the changing of the autumn leaves, the first quiet winter snowfall, the flowers blooming in the spring, and an amazing summer rainbow-he will be in our hearts. Major is and forever will be our hero. His precious memory will remain with us forever, and we shall find peace knowing Major is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Major was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandmother, "Mamaw" Judy McElroy, maternal great-grandfather, "Paw" Benny Stamey; paternal great-grandparents, "Papaw" Major and "Mamaw" Mattie Hooper, and Albert and "Mamaw" Ella Mae Hughes.

Left to carry Major's memory on forever are his loving and devoted parents, Brandon Caroll Hooper and Casey Stamey Hooper of Canton; maternal grandparents, "Hap" Steve and "Grang" Angie Stamey of Waynesville; paternal grandparents, "Papaw" Don and "Nana" Kathy Hooper of Clyde; maternal great-grandparents, "Papaw" Stan and "Mamaw" Linda Stienbarger of Canton; paternal great-grandfather, "Papaw" Bruce McElroy of Waynesville; his uncle and aunt, Todd and Jennifer Stevens; great uncle and aunt, Brannon "Uncle Buddy" and Becky "Aunt B"; his cousins Justin and Baylee Watts and baby Cyrus; his Godparents Brian and Josie Rathbone, his best friends who love Major like their brother Brianna, Sawyer, and Bennett Rathbone; a very special "Aunt" Cindy Parris; and a multitude of extended family and friends who loved Major deeply.

A Celebration of Life Service for Major will be held at 5:00 pm, Friday, October 24, 2025, at Pinnacle Church in Canton. The Reverend Heath Davis, Reverend Caleb Simmons, and Reverend Alan Mears will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church immediately following the celebration of life service. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Rathbone, Heath Greene, Alan Ledford, Justin Watts, Justin Bumgarner, and Braxton Early.

Memorials may be made in Major's memory to the Haywood County Animal Shelter, 453 Jones Cove Road, Clyde, NC 2872,1 or the Jody Ward Memorial Scholarship Fund, Haywood County School Foundation, 1233 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for Major and the Hooper family.