HOOKS, Gunnery Sgt. (Ret.) Ephriam G., 84, of St. Petersburg died Nov. 21, 2021 at Bayfront Hospice. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Junko (Wantanabe), daughter Celeste, son-in-law Elvin Miller, grandson Carson, brother William Hooks (Dee), and several nieces and nephews.
E. G. was a career Marine who served as a Naval aviation ordinance and operations coordinator with numerous units to include: the Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 235, First Marine Aircraft Wing, and the Marine Aviation Detachment. After completing the Nuclear Biological and Chemical Warfare Defense Course, he was appointed as a military liaison non-commissioned officer for7 the Fleet Weapons Engineering Office at the Naval Missile Center where he developed systems and protocols for associated Naval Air Systems Command agenlocies.
E. G. was awarded multiple letters of commendation that highlighted his resourcefulness, dedication to duty, uncommon courage, courtesy, and respect to those senior and junior. Marine of the Month citations early in his career remained favorites.
He served overseas tours in Japan, and two combat tours in Vietnam, during which he was awarded the Air Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.
After military service, E. G. and his family settled in Pinellas Park. He retired from Pinellas County as the Director of Maintenance at the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport.
A Florida native, he attended Northeast High School where he played baseball, football, and was voted Mr. Northeast by his senior class of 1956. He was a devoted band parent at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School and Gibbs High School, loved music, sports, and was a proud father, husband, and son. E.G. and Junko celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in July.
Memorial to be held for family and friends. Military service to be held at a future date with internment at Bay Pines.
Gunny lived a life of service, and for that we are eternally grateful. He was a quiet role model. Above all he loved his family. May his memory be a comfort and a blessing to you.
Thank you sincerely for your service, Sir. Semper Fi
Mr Hook, Mr Hooks… I’ll never forget him, and owe him a debt of gratitude… he saved my “behind” once while on a band field trip with Gibbs High. (That’s a story for another time!)
My sincerest condolences to Junko (Mamasan), Celeste, Elvin and Carson! The “Gunny” will never be forgotten! XoxoX
Thank you for your service! Semper Fi!
May the Lord’s richest blessings bestowed upon you and your family. Thank you for your service! You are never gone and you will never be forgotten! Semper Fi!
Celeste, myy deepest condolences, to you, your mom & family. What an amazing career. Thank you for your service and sacrifice,sir. Semper Fi.
My deepest sympathy to eg’s family and friends. I am sorry it is late just found out he passed. He was a great man and boss,and friend. He helped me so much rest in peace eg.