Joseph Clayton Hooper

Joseph (OleJoe) Clayton Hooper 90 , passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at his home. Joe was born to John Conna and Bessie R. (Cornelius) Hooper at Talledega, Alabama on January 4, 1933. Joe graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Industrial Engineering (1955) and was known for his wit and school spirit. He was voted Ugliest Man on Campus (1954) and also voted Champion Football Enthusiast (1955). Football fans always flocked around Joe at football games, noted for his beret and his loud, enthusiastic coronet at all games. Joe was president of his fraternity, Sigma Theta Epsilon. Following college graduation he worked for Allis-Chalmers as a commercial pump salesman, later working for US Steel as a strapping salesman where he achieved #1 producing salesman for the United States.

Joe cofounded Delta Design Consultants in Atlanta, GA designing and selling Structural Steel in the 1960’s. His company was best known for supplying the steel for the Carousel at Six Flags over Georgia, as well as many other large structures around Atlanta. Joe and his family moved from Ellenwood, GA to Blue Ridge in 1980. Initially buying 100 acres of land he founded, developed, built and managed over 75 hot tub short term rental cabins, known as ‘The Last Resort’. Joe built the first known hot tub short term rental cabin in Blue Ridge in 1981. He was known for his friendliness, humor and kindness. He was always ready to help anyone in need.

Every Thursday would find all the employees of the Resort gathered at the office for a home cooked meal which was provided by Joe. He was very active in the Chamber of Commerce, tourism and attended many travel shows promoting the Blue Ridge area.

At the Resort he could often be found leading horse rides through the trails and spinning big tales and telling jokes. He enjoyed gardening, playing his trumpet and sitting on his porch greeting renters checking in and neighbors passing by. Dixieland Jazz was his favorite music, he could often be seen (and heard) practicing or performing with a small group of other retired musicians at festivals, the gazebo and restaurant openings around Blue Ridge. Joe spent many happy days at Jazz Festivals and Jazz Cruises with his trumpet in jam sessions across the United States.

He was predeceased by his daughters Amy Lynn Hooper and Jennifer Criss (Hooper) Layman, parents John Conna and Bessie R (Cornelius) Hooper, his step mother Blanche (Thibedeaux) Hooper, sister: Frances (Hooper) Hurd.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ann (Martin) Hooper and sons: James Conna Hooper, Blue Ridge,GA , Jonathan Clay Hooper, Mineral Bluff, GA, Joshua Cary Hooper, Spring, TX and Jonah Creighton and wife Maria (Bennett) Hooper, Decatur, GA; and grandchildren: Stephanie (Wayne) Stiles, Mathew Saxton, Andrew Saxton, Danielle Layman, Jeremy, Jessica Hooper (Chris) Havard, Christopher Gilliam, Josselyn, Jillian, Jessen, Jayden, Joey, Austin and Neo Hooper. 7 great grandchildren also survive.

Joe requested no funeral and was cremated. Gifts in his memory may be made to Georgia Mountains Hospice, 70 Caring Way, Jasper, GA 30143.