Sammy Hooks Jr.

Sammy “Sam” Lee Hooks Jr., age 70, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024. He was born on December 13, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Sammy Lee and Mary Lee (Mack) Hooks Sr. Sam graduated high school in 1972, then attended Brown Institute where he focused on broadcasting. He moved to Grand Rapids, MI in 1976, to pursue his career as a sports broadcaster where he joined WZZM 13 News. Sam was the first black sports director the network had until 1987. In 1988 after 11 years at the ABC affiliate, he buried himself under books as the Director of Segmented Marketing & Promotions at Zondervan Publishing House, a subsidiary of Harper Collins of New York. He attended Spring Arbor College in 1997 where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism & mass communications. Later in life, he worked in the auto-leasing industry and then retired. His greatest joy and love were spending time with his family, grandchildren and his great-grandson, Mateo, who he affectionately called MC Ham. Survivors include, daughters, Samantha (Anthony) Johnson and Jessica (James) Pickett; son, Josh Hooks; grandchildren, Shaniah, Keith, Alexis, Joshua Jr., Kira, Alyssa, and Melina; great-grandson, Mateo; sister, Dellsie (Joe) Boddie; brothers, Abraham and Keith Hooks; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother, Calvin Hooks; mother, Mary Hooks; son, John Hooks; and father, Sammy Hooks Sr. Gathering of family and friends will be on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 11:00 am until 12:30 p.m. at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue S.E. at 36th Street (one block west of Eastern Avenue), Grand Rapids, with Sharing of Memories to take place at 12:30 p.m. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Sammy’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sammy Hooks Jr., please visit our flower store.