Edward "Ed" Leon Hooker, Jr

The Lasting Legacy

Edward Leon Hooker, Jr. was born December 25, 1964, in Liberty, North Carolina to Edward Leon Hooker, Sr. (Deceased) and Hersie Butler Hooker.

Ed attended Eastern Randolph High School, Ramseur, NC, where he lettered in four sports (football, basketball; baseball and track & field). Ed was a fierce competitor in every arena. In football he was an all-conference performer as a receiver and defensive back; 4-year starter on the men’s varsity basketball team; all-conference and all-county performer in track & field. He was one of the most decorated student-athletes in Eastern Randolph history. Awarded as the 1983 Male-athlete of the year, Mr. Wildcat Award, Beta Club member, Top Choral Student, Football MYP and Track & field MVP. While pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Art at North Carolina A&T State University he also completed the licensure program from Harris Barber College and passed the North Carolina State board to become a licensed barber. Ed starred on the North Carolina A & T State University’s 1986 Championship Football team and earned Black College All-American honors at Free Safety in 1987.Upon graduation he took his talents to Butler’s Personal Touch where he was groomed by his uncle James Butler to be a business owner. This experience lead to the creation of E-Style Barbershop which became the incubator for many young professional barbers and countless lives to be impacted. After completing his instructor’s certificate, he served as a lead instructor at Park West Barber College before he was promoted as Director in 2013 where he helped mold and shape the skills, careers and lives of countless barbers. He completed his career as Director of Instruction at Prestige Barber College in Greensboro. In 2018 he received the Positive Image Award presented by Heads Up for Our Youth Program.

“Jr.” as he was affectionately called, was a gifted artist and singer, but will always be known for his sense of style and keen eye for fashion.

Ed loved and supported the community of people who needed his time and talent as he served as a Judge for 2018, 2019, and 2020 Big Hair Ball fashion, hair, and makeup show fundraiser for Family Service of Greensboro, a victims advocacy agency that deals with helping those who have been subjected to domestic violence, child abuse, and need mental health and financial stability.

Ed leaves an impactful legacy through his loving wife, Kimberly Collins Hooker of 31 years; one daughter, Iris Robey, and three grandchildren London, Landon , and Lauryn; his mother, Hersie Butler Hooker, siblings, Randy Cheek (Joyce); Alan Hooker (Wendy); Michelle Hooker Ravenell (Darrell); Laura Jackson (Vincent), and Teri Hooker; mother-in-love, Lela V. Collins; sister-in-love, Tammy Smith (Marvin); uncle, James Butler; aunts, Clara Shoffner; Linda McCall; Betty Ruth Hooker; Rosetta Reaves; Eleanora Harris; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, teammates, colleagues and friends.

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