EDWIN WILBURN HOOKER, JR.
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Edwin Wilburn Hooker, Jr.
May 14, 1937 –
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August 7, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ed Wilburn Hooker, Jr., age 87, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong member of the Lexington community.
Edwin Wilburn, Jr. was born on May 14, 1937, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Mary Elizabeth (Yates) and Edwin Wilburn Hooker, Sr. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1955 and attended Ole Miss, where he was a Phi Delta Theta fraternity member. After graduating from Ole Miss in 1959, Ed Wilburn joined his father, Wilburn Hooker, in managing Hooker Insurance Agency, a role he dedicated himself to for over 60 years. Alongside his insurance career, he also served as a lobbyist for the National Independent Insurance Association.
Ed Wilburn had a deep love for Lexington and Holmes County, a passion he demonstrated through his extensive community service. His unwavering commitment left a lasting legacy. He was a devoted lifelong member of the Lexington Methodist Church, where he served in various roles, including the Evangelism Committee, Finance Committee, Chairman of the Administrative Board, Youth Sunday School teacher, and Wilburn Hooker Hand Bell Choir. As an active choir member for 71 years, he sang bass beautifully from the age of 13, performing alongside his grandmother, mother, and daughters.
His service to the Lexington community included membership in the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, the President of the Lexington Rotary Club, the Director of the Holmes County Economic Development, the Chairman of the Holmes County Republican Party, and the co-founder of the Holmes County Preservation Singers. He was also founding member of Friends of Lexington Preservation and Lexington Food Pantry with his daughter Kathleen.
Ed Wilburn loved the Ole Miss Rebels and was an enthusiastic and loyal fan supporting the Vaught Society, Loyalty Foundation, and Ole Miss Quarterback Club. He was a Life Master bridge player and teacher, an avid reader, and an adventurous spirit who loved duck hunting, painting, and traveling. He cherished the many memories of hunting with his friends and son at Random Shot Duck Club and tailgating with college friends in the Ole Miss Circle. He also took great joy in coaching the Lexington Ponies Baseball team.
Ed Wilburn took the greatest pride in creating spots for his family to unite. He was happiest when his family was under one roof, especially during Ole Miss sporting events and beach days at the Edgewater. In 2018, his final hurrah was transforming his lifelong business, Hooker Insurance Agency, with his daughter Louise into the popular sports bar, Hook’s Line & Sinker. This new venture brought joy, laughter, and a sense of community, fostering new friendships, rekindling old ones, and creating lasting memories in his beloved Holmes County and beyond.
Ed Wilburn was a passionate force for good in Lexington and was known for his creativity, energy, and impact in all his pursuits. He will be fondly remembered for his humor, unwavering love, and dedication to his family.
Ed Wilburn is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Bird Hooker; his daughters, Kathleen (Art) Waldrop of Atlanta, GA, and Louise Hooker of Jackson, MS; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Flowers Hooker of Ridgeland, MS; and seven grandchildren: Quin Waldrop of Dallas, TX, Eliza Waldrop of Atlanta, GA, Alexis Ridgeway Gay (Zach) of Inlet Beach, FL, Eli Ridgeway of Miramar Beach, FL, Owen Ridgeway, Win Hooker, and Anna Margaret Hooker, all of Oxford, MS; and brothers Bootsy (Pam) Hooker, and Wyche (Janet) Hooker.
He was preceded in death by his son, Edwin “Ed” Wilburn Hooker, III, and his parents, Mary Elizabeth (Yates) and Wilburn Hooker, Sr.
Visitation was held at the Lexington Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. The memorial service followed at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to:
● Lexington Methodist Church, “Ed Wilburn Hooker Building Fund,” P.O. Box 157, Lexington, MS 39095
● Lexington Food Pantry, P.O. Box 452, Lexington, MS 39095
● Friends of Lexington Preservation, P.O. Box 684, Lexington, MS 39095