George Currier Hood

May 24, 1922 - March 25, 2012

George C. Hood passed on March 25, 2012 in the presence of his dear wife of 63 years, June Kershaw Hood and daughter-in-law Melissa Hood, wife of son Geoffrey K. Hood. He is also survived by son George C. Hood III and wife Lisa of North Chelmsford, MA; sister Lorraine Hester of Sarasota, FL; six grandchildren: Jennifer Saunders, Elizabeth Smith, Kristin and Katherine Hood, Nicholas and Benjamin Hood, and three great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Robin Hood Wade.

Growing up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts he demonstrated strong leadership abilities as he worked to attain the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boys Scouts of America while also serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Mr. Hood was a WWII combat survivor of the 35 bombardment missions over Nazi Germany, serving as an Army Air Corps First Lieutenant in the Mighty Eighth's 95th bomb group. As a navigator of the B- 17G Flying Fortress "Section Eight" he and his fellow crew members were each awarded seven Air Medals for their Service. Following the completion of his 35 missions he volunteered to work with crews ferrying B17 wrecks from the European theater back to England. After the war he remained in the Army Air Corps Reserve, attaining the rank of Major before resigning to devote full time to his family and his career. Until his death he was the last remaining member of his B17-G crew.

Mr. Hood served as Personnel Director of Kaman Aircraft Corporation in Bloomeld, CT, and Corporate Director of Human Resources for Roberts Company, a textile machinery manufacturer in Sanford, NC. During his retirement he worked as a personnel manager for the former Al Smith company in Raleigh until the age of 74.

Mr. Hood participated in many church and civic activities throughout his entire working career, establishing the North Carolina chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society which he founded in 1984. He served as president for five years and continued as an active participant in the organization until his death. He served as a Docent at the North Carolina Museum of History, and was active in S.H.I.I.P. as a medicare volunteer Counselor.

During the course of his long life he demonstrated many times that he could again and again face adversity and come out on top. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA 31322 or a charity of one's choice. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences at www.cremationsocietync.com.

News & Observer, The (Raleigh, NC) - Thursday, March 29, 2012