Carl Odom Hood Jr.

Carl Odom Hood, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026 in the arms of his loving wife, Emma Rena. Born December 18, 1939, to Carl Odom Hood, Sr. and Elaine Hodge Hood, Carl lived a long and devoted life centered on faith, family, and service.

Carl graduated from Whitehaven High School in Memphis in 1958, and proudly served in the United States Army, stationed at Camp Hanford, Washington for three years. After returning home, he began a long career with the CN/IC (Illinois Central) Railroad, where he worked faithfully for 40 years until his retirement.

A dedicated volunteer, Carl coached baseball and basketball at St. Joseph Catholic School and later at St. Paul School in Whitehaven, Tennessee. After moving to Olive Branch, Mississippi, he continued coaching baseball for Pleasant Hill, and remained active in parish life. He was a committed member of the Men’s Club and Young at Heart at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, always offering his time and energy to support his community.

Carl married Emma Rena McLean on October 7, 1958, and together they raised a loving family. Their children are: Rev. Carl Jude Hood; Mary Therese Whitington (Frank); Anthony Joseph “Tony” Hood; Vincent Hood (Kristen); and Patrick Hood (Jennifer).

Carl was blessed with many grandchildren: Montana McLean Whitington (Collin Burdick) and Savannah Brynne Whitington (Jeff Van Meter), Christina Nichole Hood (Arron Kenny) and Alaina Dallas Hood along with their Mother, Beverly Bryant Teel, Connor McLean Hood, Madeline Riley Hood, Jakob Tyler Brown and Katelyn Elisabeth Brown.

He also cherished his great grandchildren: Angel Moore, Shayna Moore, Shelby Kenny, Milana and Sylvester Leo Van Meter, and Domino and Bodie Burdick.

Carl was preceded in death by his grandson, Frank Gaines Whitington II, his parents Carl Odom Hood, Sr. and Elaine (Hodge) Hood, his brother, Johnny Hood, and his sister, Loretta Hoover. He is also preceded in death by his beloved in-laws, John William McLean and Mary Catherine (Ryan) McLean.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 10:30 AM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Cordova, where his son serves as pastor, or to Queen of Peace Catholic Church.