Black History Month Banner Program Honoree: Chief Clinton Hooks “Chief Hooks”
Chief Clinton Hooks “Chief Hooks” was born in DeFuniak Springs in July of1926. He served 35 years in law enforcement – 18 years as DeFuniak Spring’s Chief of Police and 17 years as a City Police Officer and County Deputy. His love of people was evident in his dedication to his work and his willingness to work countless hours during his off-time to assist residents of this city and county. However, his generosity was not limited to local residents. He was a giving person, who sincerely loved people. From 1967 to 1994, he was also a bus driver for the Walton District School System. Chief Hooks passed away in May of 1999, and was then survived by his daughter, Gwen Scott of Callaway, Fla.; stepdaughter, Dr. Dorothy Paul Walker of Miami; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; stepmother, Ruby Hooks; brothers and sisters-in-law, Coy and Pamela Hooks of DeFuniak Springs, Clifford and Ann Hooks, and Charles and Mary Hooks of Buffalo, N.Y.; sisters, Rose Stewart, Lela Sims of Buffalo, and Barbara Smith of Cheektawoga, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Bessie L. Hooks of Crestview, Fla.; and a special nephew whom he assisted in rearing as his own, Michael Young (Lutricia) of Buffalo.
