William Michael Hood, age 71, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, a family who adored him, and a love that will never be forgotten.
Michael was a hardworking man who believed in the simple things in life. He spent more than 50 years working in the coal industry, dedicating much of his life to providing for the people he loved. When he wasn’t working, he could often be found hunting, piddling around the farm, or simply sitting back and watching the wildlife. He found peace in the outdoors and happiness in the familiar places he called home.
But of all the things Michael loved in this world, nothing meant more to him than his family.
He was a devoted husband to his wife of 45 years, Bambi Hood; a loving father to his two sons: Dustin and Jesse; and a wonderful father-in-law to Naomi. Yet one of the greatest joys of his life was becoming “Pops” to his three precious grandchildren: Cadence, Deaglan, and Cyrus.
Being Pops was more than just a name; it was a role he cherished with all his heart. His grandchildren brought a special kind of happiness into his life, and the love he had for them was something truly beautiful. Whether they were spending time together, enjoying the farm, or simply being in each other’s company, those moments meant the world to him. To his grandchildren, he wasn’t just the grandfather. He was their Pops, and that is a love and a bond that even death can never take away.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Hood and Retha Hood; his brothers: Ron Hood and Don Hood; his sisters: Patricia Harmon, Janice Smith, and Billy Mackey; and his brothers-in-law: Paul Smith, Arvelee Mackey, and Jim Bowman.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Bambi Hood; his sons: Dustin Hood and wife Naomi of Woodbine, Kentucky, and Jesse Hood of Richmond, Kentucky; his beloved grandchildren: Cadence Hood, Deaglan Hood, and Cyrus Hood; and his sisters: Wanda Bowman and Barb Cook.
He also leaves behind his special friends: Kenny Lanham, Jimmy Sargent, Ricky Higgs, and Mike Martin, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members, and friends whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.
Michael’s life was not measured by the things he owned or the years he worked, but by the love he gave, the family he raised, and the memories he leaves behind. He was a husband, a daddy, a father-in-law, a brother, a friend, and perhaps one of the proudest titles, Pops.
The farm may seem a little quieter, the days a little emptier, and family gatherings will never feel quite the same without him. But his memory will live on in every story told, every laugh shared, and every moment his grandchildren remember the man who loved them so dearly.
His work here on earth is finished, but the love he planted in the hearts of his family will continue to grow for generations to come. He will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever be Pops.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel with Dan Hash officiating Visitation will be prior to the funeral service, beginning at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers to honor Michael’s love of children, donations to a local school Backpack Program are encouraged.
