Gerald Edward Hood

Gerald Edward Hood, Sr. 83, of North Charleston, husband of 55 years to Joyce Orvin Hood, and father of Brenda Hood Graham (Gary), Kathryn Hood Weatherford (Keith), and Gerald E. Hood, Jr. entered into eternal rest April 14, 2016. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm in J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road. His funeral service will be held Monday, April 18, 2016 in Stuhr's Northwoods Chapel at 11:00 am. Interment will follow the service at Bonneau Baptist Cemetery.

Gerald was born October 27, 1932 at Bonneau, SC, son of Silas S. Hood, Sr. and Kate Wyndham Hood. He was the last of six children and is predeceased by his brothers Eugene S. Hood, Silas S. Hood, Jr. and James B. Hood; and his sisters Corinne H. Rhodes and Katherine H. Coates. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Gerald found himself making his own way early in life. Having lost his mother at a young age and father stricken with MS, his first job was delivering papers twice daily, seven days a week in North Charleston. By the time he graduated from Chicora High School in 1951, he had saved enough money for college. Even though he received an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point, he chose to attend The Citadel. Gerald graduated from The Citadel in 1955 in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned an officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers, serving 2 years active and 7 years reserve duty before being honorably discharged.

Gerald was a licensed Professional Engineer and a distinguished Senior Member of the IEEE. He was employed 35 years at SPAWAR as an Engineer and first line supervisor. He was privileged to serve with highly capable SPAWAR personnel and often spoke well of his colleagues. For Gerald's work he received 3 Navy Commendations. After federal retirement he worked for MILCOM, TDS, and as V.P. of ISN. He was a charter member of Rhett Ave. Christian Church and held various distinguished positions within the church. Gerald's favorite was as the teacher of the Adult Sunday School Class for forty years, where he met the most wonderful people in the world. Gerald had a passion to learn. When he became interested in a new subject he would study it until he became proficient. He spent countless hours researching genealogy, honing his woodworking skills, mastering clock repair, and sharing his knowledge with those who meant so much to him. Whether taking on the role of Scoutmaster, Little League Coach, Church Elder, or Engineer he always exhibited a high level of dedication, integrity, and attention to detail. Always above all else, Gerald Edward Hood, Sr. was a good Christian man.