Joe "Trey" Reed Hooton III

Joe “Trey” Reed Hooton III, age 59, resident of Smiths Station, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Mr. Hooton, son of the late Joe Reed Hooton II and Elizabeth Hamilton Reiney, was born March 12, 1964 in Dover, Delaware.

Trey recently retired from the Russell County Engineering Department after 23 years. He had many wonderful years there and formed strong bonds with his co-workers. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished Pawpaw. His family meant everything to him. Trey had a genuine passion for flying RC planes, and the RC family always held a special place in his heart. Camping with family was a favorite tradition; he treasured moments with his family by the lake. He was an honest, kind, and generous man. In his final act of generosity, his eyes have been donated to a designated recipient, allowing another person to experience the beauty of this world like he did.

Mr. Hooton is survived by his wife, Brenda Hooton; one daughter, Adriane Branton Salmi and her husband Joseph of Phenix City, AL; one son, Benjamin Tyler Branton II and his wife Kellie of Salem, AL; his step-father, George Reiney of Midland, GA; one sister, Kriston Lockett and her husband Scott of Houston, TX; one aunt, Martha Ann Davis of Perry, FL; six grandchildren, Zachary Salmi and his wife Angel, Elijah Strange, Hunter Salmi, Benjamin Branton III, Savannah Salmi and Seth Salmi. Trey is also survived by so many other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at UAB. Mail checks to: UAB Gift Records, AB 1230, 1720 Second Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0012, or online at https://go.uab.edu/treyslegacyofhope.