David Hood

David Ronald Hood, affectionately known as “Ronnie” to his family and friends, was born in Bessemer, Alabama on February18,1947 to the late Judge David H. Hood Jr. and Freddie Mayo.
Ronnie was preceded in death by both of his parents; his grandparents, F.D. Mayo, and Sarah Mayo, Dave Hood, Sr. and Eliza Pearl Hood; sister, Attorney Rita Hood; brother, Derrick Hood; aunts, Elizabeth Watson, Lillian Mayo Parker, Daisy H. Chapman, Nellie H. Kelker, Catherine H. Jackson; uncle, James Hood; and cousin/brother James D. Smith.
At an early age, Ronnie confessed his belief in Christ and joined St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Bessemer, Alabama. He later joined St. Paul Cathedral Catholic Church, Birmingham, Alabama where he served faithfully as an Usher until his health began to fail. He was dedicated to his service as usher and enjoyed welcoming worshipers.
Ronnie received his education at St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School and Holy Family High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at Tennessee State University, Master of Arts in Education, and Educational Specialist degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
He began his career in education at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Bessemer, Alabama as an educator. His career spanned over forty years. Many of those years were served in the Bessemer public school system.
A dedicated professional in education, Ronnie was promoted to Truancy Officer for the Bessemer School System. During his tenure he led a committee of fellow professionals in developing edicts to the then existing student code of conduct in a successful effort to ensure that the Bessemer School System would run uniformly based on the same discipline rules and procedures.
Ronnie also enjoyed serving as Hearing Officer, proudly saying that service and Hearing Officer gave him the opportunity to work with students when they violated school and board policies. He enjoyed helping students make good conduct and educational choices and developing positive character traits.
Ronnie’s hobbies included eating out and sampling different cuisines, entertaining family, and friends, traveling and creative photography. He also enjoyed jazz music.
On Friday, October 20, 2023, Ronnie peacefully received his wings and went to be with his Lord and Savior. He leaves to cherish his memory: his brother, Attorney Yusuf (Nailah) Olufemi; his stepsister, Ann Lofland; a niece, Marilyn Hood Acosta; two nephews, Jay Olufemi and, Attorney Keith Lofland; his beloved cousins, Dr. June Sykes Fountain, Michael Watson, Louis P. Kelker III, Cassandra Kelker, Wanda Kelker Whitehead, Gilda Watson, Kim Oliver, Dr. Irvin N. Jackson, Edwin James Jackson, Booker T. Watson and Randolph Parker. He will also be missed by his two special god-children, Augustus C. (Tracy) Chambers III and BryOnda (Zachary) Collins; special people that were like sister and brother to him, Brunetta Smith, Jacqueline Chambers, Byron Pugh and John Dedrick; a host of other cousins, God-children and many special friends.