If you’re a Wake Forest fan, the name Dr. Gene Hooks will ring a bell. Bob McCreary, another iconic name at Wake Forest, believes Gene is one of two individuals most synonymous with Wake Forest University—the other being Dr. Ed Wilson, former Provost Emeritus. But Gene Hooks is more than just a name on the baseball field; he is a retired athletic director, baseball coach, teacher, author, businessman, and gardener.

Gene transformed the lives of student-athletes through his professional career at Wake Forest. After his retirement, he has remained active with the university and, until this past year, could be seen at most football, baseball, and basketball home games. Gene is a people person, and sports provided the perfect platform for mentoring students and building lifelong relationships. Gene may have lost a couple of steps, but he has not lost his competitive nature. He still hates to lose—and if he can’t make the games in person, you can bet he’s watching them on TV.

One might ask: what does an almost 98-year-old do in his spare time? For the past six months, Gene has been back at work designing a grand entrance to his beloved Japanese Garden. Just like with the original garden plans, Gene left no stone unturned. The adjoining land to the garden did not lend itself well to an entrance—but that didn’t discourage Gene. He submitted three entrance plans to Bermuda Village Managing Director Joe Yoon and Facilities Manager Joel Norris for review. They approved the grandest option, and construction began March 6. It is already completed and ready for visitors.

There are now eight Japanese Garden parking spaces to ensure accessibility for all. A new irrigation system, pergola, Japanese gate, and extensive landscaping are just a few elements of the $200,000 project. Gene couldn’t rest knowing the garden lacked a reliable irrigation system and convenient parking for others to enjoy it. His incredible attention to detail has left a legacy that will be cherished for decades. And yes—he even installed the “Wake Forest Hedge,” a grouping of 20 large Nellie R. Stevens hollies to encapsulate the entrance, just like the one at his beloved university. He also started an endowment in his name with the Davie Community Foundation to ensure the garden is protected in perpetuity.

Gene’s son David notes, “Dad has always been a builder. I think the garden was a project that gave him personal joy while at the same time enhancing the lives of his fellow residents.” Gene’s son Dennis recalls, “Mom and Dad maintained a large rose garden in our backyard, and both of his parents had rose gardens. I know Mom and Dad admired the gardens in Japan on their trips there. I think the Bermuda Village garden lets Dad relive those memories.”

It has been the utmost pleasure to assist my friend Gene for the past five years with the Japanese Garden projects.  This final major garden project showcases the brilliance of Gene Hooks. Well done my friend!   

~ John Jones