Thomas Hooker was born in Raleigh, North Carolina as the youngest of seven children to Nathaniel Hooker Sr., and Della Hooker. Thomas is a beloved father, grandfather and husband. He has dedicated his
life to service and education. He is a 1958 graduate of Berry O’Kelly High School, where he was known as an exceptional athlete. He is a 1962 graduate of Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in Biology. Thomas played baseball and basketball while at Shaw University.

Mr. Hooker began his career teaching Health and Physical Education and coaching baseball and basketball at L.P. Jackson High School in Surry County. In 1965, he moved to Southside High School in
Dinwiddie County. Southside High School was the only high school for African American students at the time in Dinwiddie County. At Southside, his teams posted exceptional records, winning multiple state championships. It was proclaimed that the road to the title went through Southside. When the schools integrated in 1970, he stayed at the school which was renamed, Dinwiddie County Junior High School.

In 1972, Mr. Hooker earned a Masters of Education in Supervision and Administration from Virginia State University. He accepted the position of assistant principal at Dinwiddie County Junior High School in 1972. Mr. Hooker was an educator in Dinwiddie County for 20 years, and during this time, he touched the lives and made an impact on countless students of all races and ethnic backgrounds, as well as their families.

In 1985, Mr. Hooker transitioned to Prince George County Public Schools as an assistant principal, and was eventually promoted to the assistant superintendent. He would retire from the school district in 1999. He worked part time as the Business Development Officer for the Bank of McKenney. He is a dedicated citizen in the community of Dinwiddie County where he serves on numerous Boards and Commissions to include: Dinwiddie County Youth Commission, Dinwiddie County Airport Authority, Dinwiddie County Strategic Planning Committee, Historic Southside High School Task Force Committee, and the Dinwiddie County Industrial Development Authority. He is also a member of the St. Stephens Lodge #247, 32nd Degree, where he serves as treasurer, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and serves on the Board of Trustees Ministry at Olive Branch Baptist Church.

Mr. Hooker will always be remembered as a gentleman, educator and a coach that inspired everyone that he encountered.