William Henry Hooten III, aka “Hooter”, aka “Wild Bill”, of Front Royal, Virginia passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022 in the comfort of his home at the ripe and ornery old age of 90. He lived a much fuller life than most, bringing joy, shouts of exclamation and laughter from children and adults alike.
A Rosary will be held for Bill at 9 A.M. on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 W Main St., Front Royal. A viewing will follow at 9:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M.; at which time we will process to Shenandoah Memorial Park for the committal service. There will be a celebration of life party at Front Royal Country Club from 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. All are welcome.
Bill was born on January 3, 1932 in Virginia to the late William Henry Hooten II and Margaret Simmons Habel. He was raised by his late parents John and Margaret Habel. He is also preceded by his wife, Lois Anne Hooten, with whom he shared 52 loving years of marriage. They enjoyed taking their four children out to water ski on the Shenandoah river, viewing the scenery on Skyline Drive, dining out at restaurants and fully relished in their love for each other and the happy family they built together.
Surviving Bill are his loving children, Mary Elizabeth Bond (Robert G. Bond Sr.) of Front Royal, William Joseph “Billy” Hooten (Adana Hooten) of Hollidaysburg, PA, Karen Anne Waldron (Jack) of Munhall, PA, and Christopher Louis Hooten (Junko) of Culver City, CA; his siblings, Mary Frances Chilton (Hunter) of Boston, MA, Margaret Leary (late Joe) of Mineral, VA, and John Habel (Jan) of Cumberland, VA; his grandchildren, Lindsay Waldron-Burke (Christopher), Rachel Pollack (Todd), Emily Waldron, Robert Bond Jr. (Kayla), Sarah Fulton (Micah), William Hooten and Hannah Hooten; his great-grandchildren, Lilah, Isabella, Vincent and Alexis; and his cousin and lifelong best friend Kenny Simmons.
Bill served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he began a career he loved as an Electrician in the IBEW Local 26. He excelled in the exacting nature his work required for 55 years, making lifelong friends and enemies along the way. He truly was a jack of all trades and his generous heart lent him to helping anyone and everyone with their home projects.
Most of all, Bill will be missed and celebrated for his boisterous personality, his loving heart, his spicy quips and hilarious anecdotes. He personally requested for everyone to have a giant party after he passed. Please join us in celebrating his extraordinary life. There will be Fireball.
What a man Ol Hooter was. He always kept us on our toes in the barber shop. Even on a rough day, Bill still smiled and made sure everyone around him did too!! He definitely loved his life and there wasn’t a time I saw Bill that he didn’t brag about his kids. Of course there will be fireball! He wouldn’t have it any other way. We will certainly miss you Bill Hooten.
Bill was a great guy worked with him over 40 yeas ago. have kept up with him in the last few years stopping by to see Bill whenever in the area.
Mr. and Mrs. Hooten always made me feel so welcome in their home. During our teenage years they were patient and fun. Thanks for the memories Hooten Family. A special shout out to Karen who will always be Rooten Tooten Hooten (thanks to MY dad). Peace and prayers to all of you.
Hooter was a wonderful and fun loving man. When my father was in the hospital, he visited daily to help him keep his spirits up, what a true friend he was. I am so sorry for the family’s loss.
Sorry to hear of “Hoots” passing. I worked with him on many projects as an electrician. Always liked being on jobs with him and the other members of the Front Royal crew. RIP my friend!
A wonderful person, caring friend, and good neighbor. West Main Street will miss Bill’s daily greetings of ” Hey Buddy “!
A man with a contagious smile and spirit.
We will miss you Bill. Peace and love to the family.