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Henry is one of seven children born to Sandy and Georgia Primus Hooks in Shreveport,
Louisiana. He attended elementary school and in 1942 was inducted into the United States Army Air Force, during World War II, for three and half years. He rapidly advanced to Projectionist and a member of the general staff where he became a specialist in presenteeism. During his lectures, Henry encouraged civilians to stay on the job during this critical period of the war. All of his duty was stateside.
The highlight of Henry’s life was his marriage to the love of his life, Opal Harris, on March 3, 1944. They spent seventy-seven years together as husband and wife and best friends. Henry and Opal’s life has been a testament on how to live a Godly life.
Henry was discharged as a sergeant and became a federal employee at Norton Air Force Base (San Bernardino Army Airfield). He earned his diploma from San Bernardino High School and then attended San Bernardino Valley College majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Photography. As an entrepreneur, he participated in the real estate business while continuing to advance as a federal employee to become a Quality Control Supervisor. This necessitated extensive travel across the country to various missile sites. After eighteen years, he transferred to the Defense Contract Administrative Service in Los Angeles, California where he was involved with the missile system regarding the U. S. Endeavor to reach the moon. After thirty-seven years, Henry retired from the government, returned to his first love and became staff photographer for the Precinct Reporter.
Henry chronicled various family and social events in the Inland Empire for more than five decades. Several of his photographs have been displayed at the Norman F. Feldheym Public Library, CSU San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Library. Henry was the first African American photographer in the Inland Empire to have his photographs published in The Sun Telegram.
Among his historic montage of favorite still images, Hooks has photographed five presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Vice -President Al Gore, as well General Colin Powell, Sugar Ray Robinson, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman.
Henry gave his time and effort as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club. The board was required to raise funds to benefit the organization. In 1953, he was installed as Worshipful Master for Prince Hall Lodge No. 17. Henry was instrumental in securing the funds for the purchase of the property located at 8th and L Streets in San Bernardino and eventual erection of the Masonic Lodge Hall. Henry was also a member of American Legion Post #710, the NAACP, the D. A. V. and the Westside Action Group.
On Friday, November 26th, angels were sent to escort Henry to his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Opal; sister, Ethel Pugh of Huntsville, AL; niece and nephew, Bill and Sharon Combs; goddaughter, Carolyn Jordan-Daniels; and good friend, Robert Dixon.
