Eric Jay Hooton of Herriman, Utah, left our earthly arms to enter our loving Heavenly Fathers embrace on May 4, 2023, due to an unforeseen illness.
Eric or lovingly known as Ejay, was born on August 6, 1980, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Eric F. Hooton and Gerrilyn Hatch Hooton. He married Amber Spencer Hooton on June 4, 2004. They were sealed for Time and Eternity on June 4, 2005, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they have 2 wonderful children: Eric Parker Hooton and Lyla Ruth Hooton. He loved his family with all his heart and was willing to give everything for them.
Eric graduated from Bingham High School in 1998 and then served a honorable mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day-saints to Leeds, England from 1999-2001. He worked for LabCorp and IHC for several years before attending MTECH graduating with his Electricians License last year and was preparing to finish his Journeymen’s exam. He found great joy and pride in his work. He loved using his new skills and knowledge to help others. He had a kind and generous soul and always made sure his family knew he loved them.
He enjoyed many activities with his family and friends especially if it was going to Disneyland. He and his family have lots of great memories of their trips there. Eric was often the unexpected entertainment for many while waiting in lines for the rides.
He liked playing baseball but liked it most when his kids started playing and was able to help them practice and learn the game. Friday nights were date nights spent with his wife, Amber, kicking up his heels and learning new line dances. One of his favorite activities was going to the gym with Amber and working out with the 4 am crew at Lifetime Fitness. He loved that his Grandpa Hatch taught him to golf and being out on the course as well as going to Top Golf. Eric enjoyed earning his black belt in karate, hiking, geocaching, shooting, going fast on jet skis and going to Lagoon.
Eric is survived by his wife, Amber, son Parker and daughter Lyla; Mother Gerri, Father Eric (Karen); Sisters Heather (Brad) Baker, Sara (Stephen) Malik and Beth (Nate) Kennaley; Grandparents, Norman and Donna Hatch; Aunts, Deanna (Dave) Holmes, Sheryl Thompson, Kathy Brown, Uncle Kevin (Jo) Hooton; Father and Mother-in-law, Steve and Kim Spencer, Brothers-in-law, Steven (Shannon) Spencer, Ryan (Justine) Spencer; Sister-in-law, Hailee Spencer; Nephews and Nieces, Emmalee, Sami, Alyssa Baker, Kaden, Gracie, Ryan Malik, Lily, Lincoln, Lucy Kennaley, Brayden, Porter, Lola, Clair, Carter, Dylan, Noah, Dallas Spencer and Sawyer Spencer as well as numerous cousins and other extended family.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the LDS Church located at 5424 Rosecrest Rd, Herriman, Utah. The viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:45 am. Services to follow at 12:00 pm.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his wife and children. A Go Fund Me has been set up at https://gofund.me/3c2fd6d7
To view the recorded funeral service, click on the blue "Watch Services button above.
I'm so sorry for your loss friend. My heart goes out to you and your family. I can only imagine how it feels to lose him. Praying for you and your family Beth I love y'all.
Brittany Jacobs
This is so crazy, so unexpected as well. One memory that I will always cherish is when I went to grandmas for dinner before a dance that me, and Parker we’re going to, and EJ came along during like the very beginning of the dinner and he said «oh my God you guys are so cute »in the most Valley girl voice I’ve ever heard. It’s a few memories as I get to cherish he was one of the funniest guys I think I’ll ever meet me and my family are here for you guys. Reach out if you need anything.❤️
We are so sorry for your loss, we are so confused wondering how this could have happened. Eric was so young and left so much behind. Please let us know what we can help you with. Vic and Laurie
E.J. I am so proud to be your Aunt. Spending time and getting to really know you these last few years has been a blessing. I am unable to adequately express how badly my heart is breaking for your Mom, Amber, Parker and Lyla. I will miss your smile and your gigantic hugs. Rest-in-peace sweetie.
My sweet comical nephew. You will always be in my heart but wish you were here with us. You are the best of the best and I miss you so much. Till we meet again. Love you!!!
EJay, I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law! You knew how to put a smile on anyone's face, even total strangers and you loved doing it! You were always willing to help out with anything the family needed from electrical work, working on all of mom's projects at home including if it was just to help where you could in helping build mom's back deck. I felt that I could talk to you about any topic in the world and you would always have something witty to say. You were a great husband to your wife and father to your children. There will be a big hole left that we all now need to fill and have filled. I know you are in a beautiful place now and are now smiling down on each of us and will watch over each of us especially your wife and kids! You will forever be in our hearts and never forgotten. We love you, until we meet again my brother!
SO sorry for you guys he was a good dude!
What an amazing guy he was... I'm really so sorry to hear about his passing.