Ray Norris Hood

Ray Norris Hood, 95, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Friday Nov 3rd, 2023.  Ray was born in Wayne County NC on June 2nd, 1928.  His parents were Thaddeus William Franklin Hood and Mary Naomi Hollamon.  He had two sisters, Mildred Pittman and Grace Carter who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Flynn Hood, three of his children, Steven Scott Hood (Cheryl) of Jacksonville FL, Donna Hood Williams (Jeffrey) of Wilmington, and Jennifer Hood Nolan (Aaron) of Rock Hill, SC.  His son, Louis Thad Hood of Jacksonville, FL preceded him in death.  He is survived by four granddaughters, Rosemary, Kayla, Kolby, Allison and one great-granddaughter, Grace.

Ray moved to Carolina Beach as a teenager when his mother purchased the Welcome Inn. He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1947.  He studied Business Administration at Wilmington College.  He began his career as a butcher and was drafted into the Army in 1950 during the Korean Conflict.  He received his Honorable Discharge in 1952.  After his service in the Army, Ray started a career at Babcock & Wilcox as a Supervisor.  After retiring from B & W, he started a new career with Corning and finally retired…again… in his mid-seventies!

Ray had a very active life.  His passions were gardening and golf.  He loved all sports. He was a Charter Member of Pine Valley United Methodist Church where he served in various capacities over 60 years. He was a proud member of the Wilmington Lions Club and UCT.

Fondly known as “Mr. Ray”, he lived in the same home in Pine Valley for nearly 60 years and loved his many friends and neighbors. He will be remembered for his beautiful yard and bountiful garden as well as his quick wit and humor.  The family would like to thank these neighbors for all the help they provided Mr. Ray over these last few years.

The family especially wants to extend a heartfelt thank you for the tremendous care and outpouring of love and support they received from the staff at Trinity Grove. Also, this life event was made easier with the help of the Amedisys Hospice Team.  They both were the Angels that helped Ray and his family through this difficult time.

We all will miss you Mr. Ray, Daddy, Papa!  You will forever live in our hearts.

Services will be held Friday November 10th, 2023, at Pine Valley Methodist Church.  Visitation begins at 1PM.  Service starts at 2PM. Interment with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to Amedisys Hospice of Bolivia, NC.

Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.