William “Bill” Bilbro Hooper, age 89, of Safety Harbor, FL passed away after a brief illness on June 4, 2024. He was born on February 3, 1935, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. After growing up in Milton, TN, he enlisted in the military and served in the Korean War. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University where he received his Bachelors of Science and Master’s Degree in Architectural Industrial Arts. Bill accepted a teaching position in St. Petersburg in 1962. For over 35 years, he taught architectural drafting and drivers’ education for the Pinellas County school system. Also, he loved coaching many youth sports teams during that time. Bill and his wife Peggy raised their three children in St. Petersburg. He was a devoted husband and father. Bill’s faith was very important to him. He and his family were long-time, active members of the Catholic church.
Bill cherished the lifelong friendships he made during his life, especially on the golf course and in the Korean War Veterans Association. He was a passionate sports fan and loved watching the Tampa Bay Rays, Bucs and Bolts games. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. Bill’s family was his proudest achievement and greatest joy.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Mildred Hooper; brother, Harris; sister, Janet Herrod; and his daughter, Katie Abrams. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, their sons, Bill (Genie) and Tim (Jessica). Surviving are grandchildren, Will, Michael, Hillary and Joshua (Hoopers) and Brendan and Julia (Abrams).
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am, Thursday, June 13th, at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, FL. Interment will follow at 2:00pm at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Bill.
Bill and Peggy have been my next door neighbors since 1996. I consider myself very fortunate for my friendship with Bill and will miss him greatly. I hope Peg will stay in the house knowing myself and others will always be there for whatever she may need.