Andrew Allen Hooker, of Engelhard, passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, in Burlington. Andy was born in Engelhard on Feb. 1, 1933. He was the son of Lillie and Walter Hooker. Walter was a founding member and in charge of the Engelhard Branch of East Carolina Bank and Lillie, formerly Lillie Burris, was a homemaker. Walter died when Andy was 2 years old. Frank Swindell was Lillie’s second husband, and he was a good stepfather to Andrew.

Andy was a star basketball player in high school. After high school, he joined the Merchant Marines and traveled the world. He then joined the U.S. Navy where he became a fighter pilot. He was very proud of his part in the Regulus Missile program. While in the Navy, he met and married Frances Hurley of Leemont, Virginia. Frances was working as a secretary at the Navy air station on Chincoteague Island, Virginia.

After his military service, Andrew entered the Industrial Engineering program at N.C. State. He was a big fan of the Wolfpack sports teams. After graduating from State, he went to work for DuPont Chemical Company. After several transfers, Andy, Fran and their two daughters, Stephanie and Pam, settled down in Waynesboro, Virginia. Andrew loved golf and was a member of the Waynesboro Country Club where he could be found on the golf course almost every weekend. Andy was a huge animal lover and had many adopted pets that he doted on.

Andy is survived by his wife of 61 years, his two daughters, four grandchildren and a half-brother. His life was celebrated at a ceremony in Burlington on Feb. 8. His ashes will be buried at the family cemetery in Engelhard. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Carswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.