William "Tom" Hood

William Thomas Hood was born on April 26, 1926, in Etowah County, Alabama, the fifth child of Robert Anderson Hood and Ora Glenn Hood. He died in his home in Arab,Alabama on April 7, 2012, at the age of 85. At 17, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving as a radio operator in the Pacific, China, and Korea. He married Inez Harper Hood in 1945 in Blue Ridge, Georgia. During his service in the U. S. Navy, he studied at Auburn University. For the remainder of his life, he was an active member of the alumni association and an enthusiastic football fan. After completing his service in the Navy at the end of World War II, he returned to finish his studies at Emma Sampson High School. He graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1949 with a degree in Mathematics, and was nominated for the ODK honor society. After teaching at Lincoln High School for two years, he moved to Arab, working with the Army Missile Command at Redstone, in Post Engineering, for nearly 40 years. During his working career and in retirement he farmed, raised cattle and kept honeybees. He was active in the Alabama Beekeepers Association, with published articles and speaking engagements in the field. A member of Arab First United Methodist Church,he served on three building committees, and for over forty years, held the positions of Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Council on Ministries, Sunday School Superintendant, or Trustee for the church. His wife of 62 Years, Inez Harper Hood preceded him in death, as did his parents and brothers and sisters, Alma, Mildred, Woodrow, Robert Jr., Cecil, and Thelma Lou. He is survived by his brother, Curtis Hood, a daughter, Terresa Hood Lawson (David), a son, David Harwell (Allison), and three grandchildren, Alice Moore, John David Harwell, and Brooks Bailey Harwell. The family wishes to extend thanks to Dr. Ellis F. Porch Jr, for the medical care he provided to Mr. Hood for over 25 years. The family also extends gratitude to Beverly Maze, Rita King, Holly DeBoard, and Hospice of Marshall County for compassionate care in the last years of Mr. Hood's life. He faced the effects of Alzheimer's Disease with the same quiet confidence with which he lived his life. Pallbearers include Stephen Cain, Tony Nichols, Jamie Lynn, Taylor Lynn, Ronnie Strickland, Chris Moore, John David Harwell, and Brooks Bailey Harwell The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Jacksonville State University, Department of Mathematics, 700 Pelham Road North,Jacksonville,Alabama,36265

William "Tom" Hood

April 26, 1926 - April 7, 2012