Mr. Gary Cornelius Hood Jr.

Gary C. Hood Jr, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished friend, and mentor, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 52. Born on January 22, 1973, in Starkville, MS, to Judy and Gary Hood Sr. Gary married the love of his life, Amber, on November 13, 1999, and together they celebrated 25 years of love, faith, and partnership. In his own words, “God chose us to go through life with each other—His plan, His timing.” He often reflected on their journey, saying, “We have laughed, cried, hugged, been mad, worried, been sick, been excited, sometimes amused, and most importantly, loved each other.” Their relationship was built on mutual respect, faith, and unwavering love, and Gary credited Amber with inspiring him to be a better person every day. As a father, Gary was his sons’ biggest supporter and greatest advocate. He often shared how proud he was of G3, lovingly calling him “Ichiban Son” or “Number 1 Son,” a title passed down from Gary’s own father. From celebrating G3’s achievements in football to encouraging him to “keep fighting for what you believe in and follow your dreams,” Gary’s pride in his eldest son’s accomplishments was immeasurable. Equally, Gary shared a special bond with James, affectionately calling him “The Smilin’ Assassin” for his joyful, playful spirit. He marveled at James’s ability to bring laughter and light to any situation (much like himself), often celebrating his milestones like earning a black belt in martial arts or simply sharing family movie nights. Whether cheering from the sidelines, enjoying a family dinner, or celebrating life’s little moments, Gary’s greatest joy was watching his sons grow into remarkable young men who carried forward his love, kindness, and determination. Gary’s dedication extended beyond his home. He served as a Den Leader in Cub Scouts, a Taekwondo instructor, and co-president of the quarterback club, devoting countless hours to mentoring and guiding his sons and many other children. His commitment to these roles reflected his passion for helping young people develop confidence, discipline, and character. Gary left a lasting impact on everyone he mentored, from organizing camping trips and supporting his Scouts at resident camps to teaching martial arts and building teamwork on the field. To the rest of the world, Gary may have been known as a hard worker and an Alabama fan, but to those who truly knew him, he was much more. Gary was a man of God who expressed his faith in everything he did. He carried himself with humility, kindness, and unwavering integrity, always striving to help anyone. Even when he was busy or had countless responsibilities, he made time for others, putting their needs above his own. Gary had a unique ability to lighten any mood with his quick wit and infectious laughter. His kindness was boundless; he never knew a stranger and always greeted everyone with warmth and compassion. Friends and family alike were drawn to his generous spirit and genuine interest in their lives. As a loving dad and husband, Gary created a home filled with love, support, and laughter. His unwavering dedication to his family was evident in every aspect of his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire us all. To say Gary will be missed is an understatement. He was the kind of man who left a mark on your soul and a grin on your face. His laughter was infectious, his heart was as big as his personality, and his legacy is a tapestry woven with joy and kindness. Gary is survived by his wife, Amber Hood; his sons, Gary Hood III (G3), and James Hood; his sisters, Pam Hood, Rita Hood, and Dawn Hood James (Jesse); and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Judy Hood, and father, Gary Hood Sr. A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Brookside Funeral Home, 3360 Brookside Dr, Millbrook, AL 36054. Visitation will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Guardian Credit Union under the name “Memorial Fund for Gary Hood,” account ending in ##69, which will be used to ensure that his sons will be able to complete the educational goals that Gary had wished for them. Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, AL directing.