Herman Rooker

December 22, 1943 - January 30, 2019

Obituary For Herman Rooker

Herman Rooker, 75, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on January 30, 2019 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Warrenton, NC, on December 22, 1943, son of the late Eddie and Essie Rooker.

Herman attended John Graham High School where he was a member of the football, baseball and basketball teams. After graduating he went on ot attend North Carolina State University and served nine years in the Army National Guard. Herman started his professional career as a teacher and coach at Plymouth High School and most recently was a kitchen cabinet designer in Raleigh, NC.

He was married to Kay Stanfield Rooker for 26 years and they have two children, Hunter Lee Rooker and Cara Stanfield Harrison-Thompson. As a family they enjoyed attending NC State football games and vacationing together.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gertrude; brother, Therman; and first born son Stokes Rooker.

He is survived by his wife, Kay and their children; son, Hunter (Jacklyn) Rooker of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Cara (Matt) Thompson of Raleigh, NC; and newborn granddaughter, Charlotte Choe Rooker born Jan.31, 2019.

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. The visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the service beginning at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive guests at the home of Cara and Matt Thompson following the memorial service at their home, 7729 Stonehenge Farm Lane, Raleigh, NC 27613.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Herman's name to the NC State Wolfpack Club at 5400 Trinity Road, Suite 407, Raleigh, NC. or Transitions LifeCare of Wake County, https://transitionslifecare.org/donate/.

Services

2 Feb

Visitation

01:30 PM - 02:30 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

2 Feb

Memorial Service

02:30 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

July 11, 2023

Audra Williams

Hi Kay, I was just looking for you and I am so sorry for your lost. I know it's been awhile now, but my heart hurts because he was just as loving, gentle as you are. I was just wanting you to know that to this day I brag about how amazing you were to me as a Manager and a person. Much Love Audra
September 01, 2020

Becky Brown

So very sorry to hear of Rookers passing. We had many good times and laughs while he was at Plymouth High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Becky and Bobby Brown
September 01, 2020

Clyde Naylor

Rest easy coach! One of the greatest coach's I've known. Enjoyed meeting Monte Towe at his house while in high school. Always great to interact with him. One of those teachers / coach that you remember for a life time! Clyde Naylor
September 01, 2020

Sandra Wood Smith

Herman worked for my Daddy in the grocery store in Warrenton while in high school. I looked up to him as he was one of my sports heroes in high school. He encouraged me the year I went out for the girls' basketball team in ninth grade. He was one of the 'legends' of JGHS. One of the great traits he possessed was being down to earth and treating people in a kind and nurturing way. He truly was an unforgettable person. It's nice to know his grandaughter has my sister's name and was born on my grandson's birthday.
September 01, 2020

Karen Lifsey

Lit a candle in memory of Herman Rooker
September 01, 2020

Renee Allen

Lit a candle in memory of Herman Rooker
September 01, 2020

Sarah R Bass

We are so saddened by the death of Herman. Jimmy and I have so many fond memories of our fun times with him. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sarah Bass
September 01, 2020

peg pinkman

Dear Kay, family and friends. Sending my condolences on the passing of sweet Herman. He was such a kind and good man who made great hotdogs and always brought a smile. Best tailgating going on in heaven no doubt! Love, Peg Pinkman
September 01, 2020

Wendy Pardue

Kay - thinking of you during this time. Praying for you to be surrounded by God's peace. Treasure the memories.
September 01, 2020

Ellisa Yeliab

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Herman. It was an honor to have known such a great person and I will truly miss seeing his smile. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time. I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss.
September 01, 2020

Robby Caldwell

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Herman, such a great man. Always there to lend a hand if you needed it and held the best tailgates NCSU has ever seen.
September 01, 2020

Dina Faddah

So so sorry to hear of this- Herman was so kind and fun to be around--I remember going over to Cara's house to "play" when we were younger and he was always in the best spirits and so fun and loving. Love to all of the family, Dina Faddah
September 01, 2020

Danette Arrants

KK- Frankie and I are so sorry to hear of Rooker's passing. We have had many memories with you and Rooker in Plymouth. He was a great teacher, coach and friend. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Frankie and Danette Arrants
September 01, 2020

Lew Hege

Good friend, great guy, nice person. Herman was all of that. Will never forget the '62 starting five at John Graham. What a great basketball team-- great in football too. Herman, Gordon, Clinton, Billy, and Chocky-- great guys from Warrenton. RIP good friend.
September 01, 2020

Chris Hedgepeth

Kitty and I are very sorry to hear of Rookers passing . Herman was not only a great teacher/coach, but a great friend . He made such a positive impact on me in high school. We will always cherish the friendship and good times we have spent with Kay and Rooker.
September 01, 2020

Fritz Kindsvatter

To Herm's Family: I knew Herm through Wildwood Green where he and I often chatted while awaiting the first tee to open up for our gang of Wildoats golfers. He always had a winning smile and a quip or two to share with me. I am so sorry that I learned of his passing on the Saturday afternoon of his service. Rest assured, had I known of it earlier, I would have been there. There are times in our lives when we encounter someone over a few year period that we have an immediate connection with. Herman was such an individual. I will miss him. Fritz Kindsvatter
September 01, 2020

jimmy Hamilton

Prayers and condolences to all of the Rooker family. Herman is a true gentleman and I always appreciated his presence at Wildwood Green! A very kind and thoughtful man with always a kind thought. He will be missed greatly! Jimmy Hamilton,PGA from The Golf Academy at Wildwood Green.