Bobby Hood

Bobby J. Hood, of New Bern, was called to his heavenly home on October 4, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by devotion—to his country, to his family, to his faith, and especially to the woman he loved for more than half a century.

Born in 1940 and raised in Fulton, Mississippi, Bobby was the second youngest in a large family of four brothers and three sisters. His beginnings were humble, and life taught him the value of hard work at an early age. As a boy, he milked cows to earn his lunch money and found simple pleasures in the outdoors, especially squirrel hunting and fishing. His love for fishing was one of those things that stayed with him throughout his life.

At just 17 years old, Bobby made a decision that would shape much of the man he became—he joined the United States Marine Corps.

What began as a young man's decision became a lifelong source of pride. Bobby served his country for 22 years on active duty, including two tours in Vietnam, followed by another eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve. He ultimately received his honorable discharge at the rank of Master Sergeant. Bobby loved the Marine Corps, loved what it stood for, and remained incredibly proud to have earned the title of United States Marine.

Semper Fi.

While stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Bobby eventually retired from active military service and made the New Bern area his home. Never one to remain idle for long, he began a second career with Craven County Schools, where he served as a Child Nutrition Supervisor until his retirement. Whether serving his country or serving his community, Bobby believed in working hard, doing his part, and taking pride in a job well done.

But for all that Bobby accomplished during his life, there was one relationship that stood above the rest.

On July 23, 1965, he married the love of his life, Eunell Wilson. Together, Bobby and Eunell built a life rooted in love, commitment, and devotion. They raised two children, Teresa and Glenn, shared the ordinary joys of family life, and walked beside one another through the years.

Bobby loved Eunell deeply, and after her passing, he missed her just as deeply.

Some of Bobby's happiest memories were simply the times they spent together. They enjoyed traveling, especially trips to the mountains, and they shared a love for working outside and keeping a beautiful yard. Bobby took great pride in his home and yard, and there was always something to tend, trim, mow, or improve.

He also loved a good round of golf and never lost his enjoyment of fishing—the pastime that had brought him happiness since his Mississippi boyhood.

Faith was another important part of Bobby's life. For many years, he was a member of Croatan Church of Christ, where he enjoyed worshipping and sharing fellowship with his church family and friends.

Bobby's life stretched a long way from that young Mississippi boy milking cows for lunch money. It carried him around the world in the service of his country, through the difficult days of Vietnam, into a second career serving the schools of his adopted community, and through more than five decades of marriage to the woman he loved.

Through it all, he remained proud of where he came from, proud of the family he built, and especially proud to be a Marine.

Bobby is survived by his children, Teresa Smith and husband, Mike, and Glenn Hood and wife, Jennifer; brother, Euston Hood and wife, Sophie; grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Chelsea Smith, Austin Hood, and Payton Hurst; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eunell Wilson Hood; his parents, Den and Lois Hood; brothers, Delmus Hood, Allie Hood, and Morris Hood; and sisters, Clarice Hood, Mazell Oswalt and Mada Oswalt.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bobby's life at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Highland Park Christian Church, with Minister Craig Hearne officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Burial will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park, where Bobby will be laid to rest with military honors befitting his many years of faithful service to our nation.

In lieu of flowers, it was Bobby's wish that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Croatan Church of Christ, in care of Peter and Linda Povich, 3446 Old Airport Road, New Bern, NC 28562.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Bobby J. Hood.