Obituary of Donald Albert Hooper

Donald Albert "Pete" Hooper, 75 of West Columbia, SC passed away on February 26, 2018 with his wife and daughters by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Ann Hooper, daughter Kimberly Cockrell, son in law Todd Cockrell, daughter Wendy Hart and son in law Grady Hart. He is "Ging Ging" to his greatest joy, his grandchildren, Dustyn, Gabbi, Madison and Jordan. He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia Gubacsi, Christopher Hooper, two nieces and one nephew. He is predeceased by his parents Albert T and Sally Hooper. Pete was born on October 10, 1942 in Columbia, SC. He grew up on the avenues of Cayce and it was there that he and his father first started Hooper Tools in the late 1950's. Pete continued to sell tools until June 2016 and everyone knew him as "Pete the Tool Man." Pete loved his job and his customers. He was known for his generous spirit, for being an avid Gamecock fan and the fact that he never met a stranger. To his family he was their rock and to his friends he was steadfast and loyal. His wife always said he had two speeds, "fast and faster". After a diagnosis of cancer in October of 2016, he was forced to slow down. He found peace in sitting on his back porch watching his dog run and the hundreds of birds that visited his bird feeders. Pete's quick sense of humor will be missed by all, but what will be missed most will be his "You are a good looking Honey, I love you' that he repeated multiple times daily to his wife, his "I love you baby girl" to his daughters and his "I love my youngins" to his adoring grandchildren. Our family would like to thank the staff of Heartstrings Hospice for their compassion, support and love during what to date has been the most difficult path in our journey as a family. We are truly grateful. The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington located at 4720 Augusta Road on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at noon with burial to follow in Woodridge Memorial Park. Casual dress is welcomed and encouraged. Pete spent 58 years working with mechanics in garages and he would love for you to come as you are.