February 17, 1920 - May 12, 2006

*PASTOR WILLIE C. HOOKFIN*

Supt. W. C. Hookfin was born on February 17, 1920 in Liverpool, LA., to the late Albert and Lela Hookfin.  He was the 4th of 13 brothers and sisters.  After serving his country for three years in WW II in the early 1950's, he accepted a higher calling and was led to relocate to Ohio where he united with Gospel Tabernacle, COGIC, under the leadership of Eld. H.S. Bell.  He held every position from choir member to deacon to minister to Pastor and finally was elevated to First Administrative Assistant by Bishop F.E. Perry, Prelate of Ohio South Jurisdiction.

Supt. Hookfin, a patriarch, was highly respected in the Springfield community and abroad.  He was an icon across the brotherhood and a man of great strength and high integrity.  He spared no pain in preaching the unadulterated word of God.  He was known as a no nonsense preacher declaring "HOLINESS OR HELL, SALVATION OR DAMNATION !"

His loving wife of 46 years, his five children, 17 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a host of family, friends, loved ones and men of the cloth will continue to cherish the sweet memories and joy that he always brought to them. 

May his kind words, his sweet spirit and his compassionate manner rest, rule and abide in your hearts and minds henceforth, now and forever...