12/30/2025
Dr. Doug Gibbons Hooper, age 68, passed away on December 27, 2025. He was born on July 11, 1957, in Nashville, TN to T.M. and Juanita Hooper of Smithville, Tennessee.
A lifelong resident of Smithville, Doug graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1975, and from Tennessee Technological University in 1979. In July of that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Smith Hooper. The couple moved to Memphis, where Doug attended medical school at The University of Tennessee graduating in 1982. After medical school, he completed his family practice medical residency at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. In 1986, Doug returned home to Smithville where he joined Dr. Hugh Don Cripps and Dr. Melvin Blevins in family practice at the Doctor’s Building. In 1992, alongside other local physicians and community leaders, he purchased DeKalb General Hospital with the shared vision of advancing high-quality healthcare for the community he loved. Doug practiced medicine for nearly 40 years and was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Tennessee Medical Association, and the American Medical Association.
Doug was a faithful member of Smithville First Baptist Church. Faith, family, and friends were central to his life and guided both his personal relationships and his service to others.
Doug is proceeded in death by his father, T.M. Hooper and his wife, Brenda Smith Hooper.
Doug is survived by his wife Jackie Hooper; mother Juanita Hooper; sons Dr. Daniel Douglas Hooper (Bryant Ransom) of Nashville and Dr. Justin Davis Hooper (Martha Hooper) of Smithville; 4 beloved grandchildren: Aiden Rhett, Emmett Turner, Owen Thomas, and Landon Reed; sister Janet Eldridge (Mike) of Cookeville; and several nieces and nephews.
He treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandsons, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of his first granddaughter, Nora Ruth Hooper. Doug enjoyed golfing, traveling, gardening, and a spirited challenge in a card or board game.
Doug practiced medicine with unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism. He was known for his attentiveness, thoughtful care, and lasting relationships with his patients, many of whom he served for decades. His work reflected a true calling to serve others.
In accordance with Doug’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 3rd at 2pm at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Following the service will be a private, family only burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Dr. Doug Hooper to Lighthouse Christian Camp, the First Baptist Church Youth Fund, or the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Doug Gibbons Hooper, age 68, passed away on December 27, 2025. He was born on July 11, 1957, in Nashville, TN to T.M. and Juanita Hooper of Smithville, Tennessee. A lifelong resident of Smithville, Doug graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1975, and from Tennessee Technological University...
