Billy E. Hood

Billy (Bill) E. Hood, 86, of South Padre Island, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by wife and life long friends, on September 18, 2024. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 47 years, Linda “Gayle” Hood; his son, Bill D. (Spud) Hood and wife Karen Hood; and his son, William D. Saucier (B.D.). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Chelsea French and husband Josh French, along with their children Magnolia and Weston; Callahan Hood and wife Kaitlyn Hood, and their children Wyatt and Stetson; Zack Saucier and wife Ashlyn Saucier, and their children Brenna, Graham, and Jane; and Gabel Saucier. Bill will be deeply missed by extended family and friends whose lives he touched in so many meaningful ways.

Known for his larger-than-life personality, Bill was fun-loving, always "large and in charge," and lived life to its fullest. From high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where his exceptional mechanical abilities earned him a place in the Strategic Air Command. During the 1950s, he managed a crew that worked on airplanes, contributing to national defense.

After his military service, Bill explored various ventures, including pest control and pet grooming, before finding his true calling in the car industry. He worked as a sales manager for many years before establishing and running his own successful business for 27 years. Later in life, Bill embraced one final adventure—developing property in Roatán, Honduras, where he spent 6.5 years before retiring to South Padre Island.

Bill had a passion for teaching kids how to hunt and fish, and he loved cooking for his family and friends. His adventurous spirit led him to travel and scuba dive, enriching his life with countless memorable experiences.

Bill Hood's legacy of love, adventure, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Bill always said, “I’m so glad you got to meet me” and “I never have a bad day” and “You are going to miss me.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the RGV Reef Project, https://rgvreef.org/, in his honor. Per Bill Hood’s request, there will not be a formal memorial service. He would love for everyone to have a Seagram’s VO & water for him.

Gayle Hood can be contacted at 10143 Kemp Forest, Houston, TX 77080 or by email gaylehood@me.com

Please disregard the request to send flowers or plant a tree. The family requests donations be made to RGV Reef Project instead. 

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