James Barney Hood

He was born Feb. 17, 1910, on Cedar Bend Road in Southside to Adolphus Jackson Hood and Memmie McCartney Hood. Barney was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosettie Ross Hood; brothers, George Dwight Hood, Adolphus Jackson Hood Jr. and Ezell Hood; sisters, Otis Hood Baugh, Lois Hood Phillips, Maude Hood Thompson, Willie (Bill) Hood Routon, Roselle Hood and Jennie V. Hood.

He is survived by sister-in-law, Hazel Akridge Ross; nieces, Iris Baugh Christopher, Beth Hood Dickinson, Juddy Routon Hudson and Mabel Phillips Levi; and nephews, G. Allan Phillips and Danny F. Ross.

Throughout his life, Barney always tried to live by the Golden Rule. He was an active member of Southside Baptist Church where, at the age of 25, he was elected deacon and taught Sunday school for many years. In 1986, he was recognized by the church for his service and support of the community's youth. In 2008, he was named deacon emeritus.

Barney was a gifted student and a good athlete.

He was valedictorian of his class at Southside High School in 1929, and he was the captain and quarterback of the school's first football team.

He attended Auburn University and later transferred to what is now Jacksonville State University, where he completed requirements for a teaching certificate. He then began a 21-year teaching and coaching career at Southside High. In 1954, he returned to Jacksonville where he earned a B.S. degree in elementary education, and, in 1956, he earned a master's degree in education from Auburn University. He completed his career in education by teaching in St. Petersburg, Fla., for 10 years.

After retiring in 1965, he and Rosettie returned to the family farm in Southside where he ran a farming and dairy operation. During these years, he became active in several agricultural organizations including the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, the Etowah County Soil and Water Conservation Service and the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA). He served as the president of ALFA in Etowah County for 18 years and served three terms as district president.

In 1983, he was named an "Honorary Coach" by the Southside High School's athletic department, and, in 1995, he was selected for Southside's "Wall of Fame," which recognizes outstanding alumni and teachers. Barney's loyalty and dedication to Southside was also recognized by the school in 2001, when the football stadium was named in his honor.

While Barney and Rosettie did not have any children of their own, he served as a father figure to many students in the community. He always sought to develop them mentally and physically and instilled in them a spirit of fair play and a work ethic necessary for success.

Numerous students were able to attend college because of the scholarship funds that he gave generously.

With a caring nature and gentle spirit, Barney always worked for the good of his community. He was "Mr. Southside." What Barney's life meant to Southside and beyond cannot be measured.

Funeral services will be at Collier-Butler Funeral Home on Thursday at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Southside Baptist Church building fund (3975 Alabama Highway 77, Southside, AL 35907).

Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Service is directing.