 Hooper owned Harford Sanitation Services, which he founded with his father in 1954 and was operated after his death until its sale by his son Bobby Ray Hooper and his daughter, Cindy Hushon.He was a member of the Harford County, Aberdeen and Havre de Grace Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Route 40 Business Association.He also served on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army of Harford County from 1986 until his death.