William Hood Jr.

WILLIAM BARNETT HOOD JR.

Cedar Rapids

William Barnett Hood Jr., 83, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Bill requested a visitation only, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held.

Bill was born May 21, 1933, the son of William and Rosa (Hardaway) Hood, in Moline, Ill. He graduated from Davenport High School in 1951. Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1954 until January 1957. On Jan. 22, 1955, Bill was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Marie Clay in Davenport. He received his bachelor's degree from the State College of Iowa (UNI) in 1962 and received his master's in social work from the University of Iowa in 1968. Bill was a 55-year member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Iowa.

For many years, Bill was a phenomenal social worker and a caring mentor to so many people. He loved to have conversations with everyone that he met. Bill was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all of his family and friends. He was a humble man who lived by the guidance and the teachings of God.

Left to cherish Bill's memories are his loving wife of 61 years, Gwendolyn; daughter, Sheila Hood; son, William III (Barb) Hood; grandson, Tyran Hood; and sister-in-law, Wanda Lambert.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Bill's honor.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.