Memorial

William Barnett Hood, Jr., 83, of Cedar Rapids, passed away January 7, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

Bill requested a visitation only, which will be held on Saturday, January 14th from 11 AM to 1 PM at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held.

Bill was born on May 21, 1933, the son of William and Rosa (Hardaway) Hood in Moline, Illinois.  He graduated from Davenport High School in 1951.  Bill joined the United States Marine Corps in January of 1954 until January of 1957.  On January 22, 1955, Bill was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Marie Clay in Davenport, Iowa.  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. He was Vice President for Student Affairs at Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids from 1982 until 1992 which then he went on to serve as the Director of the Harambee House until retirement in 2004.

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 is 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.