James Elroe Hood

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Evelyn Hood, and grandson Jeremy Lee Helton.

He is survived by 2 daughters: Suzette Hood and Stephanie(Skipper) Goodwin; 4 grandchildren: Kevin(Kendall) Gardner, Wes Hood, Colby(Cheere) Helton, and Mary-Grace Helton(Henry); 5 great-grandchildren: Kelsey Gardner, Kaleb Gardner, Ava Berlin Helton, Colburn Helton, and Reuben Helton; sister: Grace (Ralph) Hanson; 2 brothers: Willie Hood and Elson (Sharon) Hood.

Elroe loved his country and faithfully served in the Army and retired from the National Guard. He was a county commissioner for 24 years, where he was instrumental in helping to establish the Brierfield Ironworks Park and Bibb County Lake. He was one of the founders of the Brierfield Volunteer Fire Department and served as fire chief. During his life, he attended Ashby Baptist Church and Six Mile Baptist Church, serving as deacon for 50 years and a Sunday school teacher for 40 years. He recently attended the Church at Brierfield. He was an avid gardener, sharing the fruits of his labor with family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, story telling, and the beauty of God’s creation. But above all, Elroe loved God, his family, and his friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 3, at noon, followed by a service at 1:00 pm at Rockco Funeral Home in Montevallo, Alabama. Burial to follow at Brierfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

University of Montevallo

Outdoor Scholars Program

Station 6216

Montevallo, AL 35115