Herbert Hillary Booker's Obituary
Herbert Hillary Booker II, age 78, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2021, in the comfort
of his home in Palm Coast, Florida.
Herbert, also known as “Sarge”, was born October 20, 1942, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to
Joseph Clarence Booker and Angeline May Huntington. He expressed sorrow over never having
known his father, as he had passed when Herbert was an infant. He is now reunited with his
family.
Herbert is preceded by his parents, his older brother Ted Huntington, and his first wife
Lilly Amanda Chinchilla.
Herbert led a fascinating life, including lying about his age at 16 to join the army with an
alias. When they found out, he was discharged then he re-enlisted under another alias. Herbert
worked at a tattoo shop as an artist, and was heavily tattooed. He was proud of the art displayed
on his body and was always ready to show it off. Herbert had also always been fond of history
and was nicknamed “the walking encyclopedia” due to his vast knowledge. His love for history
led him to return to school at a later age where he earned his Master’s Degree in Pan-African
studies, with a minor in history, and graduated with honors. Herbert also continued his art in the
form of military insignias, and had a vast collection. Part of history that always fascinated
Herbert was genealogy as well, and in doing so connected him with his fathers side of the family.
Later in his life he joined several military organizations such as the State Military
Reserve, and the last one, he was still active in, American Voluntary Reserve. He had also been
in several movies as an extra, such as “Hook” and “Dead Man’s Revenge.” Herbert created and
moderated a Facebook group called “The Crow’s Nest” which involved military insignia from all
over the world. Herbert was also faithfully involved in the First A.M.E. Church - African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Palm Coast.
Herbert was friendly, social, and popular. It seemed that he could easily make friends
with strangers. He had quite the sense of humor and liked to play jokes on family members. It
was never quiet with Herbert around as he was talkative and full of stories and tidbits of history.
Herbert also had a great love for cats, he was happy to have his pet cats, as well as assisting his
wife in fostering cats, and tending to the feral community.
Herbert is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years Enery Hodge Ruiz Booker, his little
sister Laura Lee Skelley (affectionately nicknamed “Lolly”), his children Joseph Clarence
Booker II, Lenora Estelle McPherson Booker II, and Texana Frances Salter Booker II (Timlin),
six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was very proud of his family.
Herbert’s memorial will be held on Saturday, July 24 at 3:00 PM at Iglesia Principe de
Paz. 160 Cypress Point Parkway Suite D-105 Palm Coast FL 32164. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests donations be made to Community Cats of Palm Coast.
What’s your fondest memory of Herbert?
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Share a story where Herbert's kindness touched your heart.
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