Ray E. Hood, of Knoxville, was born on July 17, 1916 to Charles Thomas Hood and Sallie Josephine Kenney Hood in Hood’s Landing, Roane County. Ray was one of ten children, having four brothers and five sisters. Ray was next to the youngest child. Ray was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 1941-1945. He was drafted to Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia and served at Ft. Bragg and in Kingman, Arizona. His duties included working with training Glider pilots. He had reached the rank of Corporal at the time of his discharge from the Army.
After his discharge he worked for the Harriman Oil Company delivering oil. Ray and Margaret Pickel were married on June 14, 1947. Two children were born to them – David on July 26, 1950 and Alan on April 13, 1953. He and Margaret have three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They were so very proud of their two sons and all their grandchildren.
Ray and Margaret and their two sons moved to Knoxville in 1956. They owned the Hood Shell Service Station on Papermill Road from August 13, 1956 until 1972. They purchased and worked at Ralph’s Auto Repair on Northshore Drive from 1971 until 1982. After retirement, he spent 30 years volunteering his time to the local Meals on Wheels and Second Harvest programs. He enjoyed every minute of his volunteer work. He also enjoyed gardening, bowling, and especially putt putt golf. Ray is a long-time member of the Central Baptist Church of Bearden where he served as a deacon and an usher for several years. Ray was a gentle person, always making friends, and always willing to help anyone in need. Preceded in death by his parents Charles Thomas Hood and Sallie Josephine Kenney Hood; wife Margaret Pickel Hood; sons David and Alan Hood.
The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until 1pm Sunday December 6, 2015 with the Funeral to follow in the Chapel Mausoleum of Highland Memorial Cemetery.


Kyker Funeral Homes