Harold Hood

Harold H. Hood, 79, a life-long resident of Benton, TN passed away April 15, 2020.  He was a road builder and took great pride in his work.  He loved his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Julia Rymer Hood; father and mother-in-law, Estle and Velma Ownby Tarwater; brother-in-law, Lynn Bates.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Tarwater Hood; son, Michael Hood (Lynz) of Stratford, TX; daughter, Leah Wicker (Scott) of Signal Mountain, TN; grandchildren, Seth and Sam Wicker and Kaydence, John Michael and Garrett Hood; siblings, Doris Bates, Fred Hood (Ann), Linda Silvers (Tommy), Judy Sizemore (Mickey), and James Hood (Vicki).  Several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive.

Harold was a 1959 graduate of Polk County High School, veteran of the United States Army Reserve, former member of the Melody Boys Quartet, Polk County Commission and Benton Jaycees.  He was a 50+ year member and Past Master of Conasauga Lodge 396 and 32^nd degree Mason.  He was a member of the South Camp of Cleveland Gideon’s International and served as chaplain for several years until his failing eyesight.

Harold began his career in 1959 with Lonas Construction in Cleveland, TN.  He began as a paving operator then became supervisor of several crews until a tragic work accident and injury in 1985.  After 11 years recuperating, he returned to his love of road building as an estimator and consultant for several companies.  Harold retired after 2 terms as Polk County Road Superintendent.  He loved the smell of fresh pavement and could tell if the asphalt was a “good mix” by the smell.  He paved the majority of roads in Polk, Bradley and several surrounding counties, Highway 64 into Murphy, NC and I-75. 

A graveside service will be conducted at Shiloh Memorial Cemetery, located near the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN, Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Rusty Asble officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Cleveland Generations Building Fund, 1275 Stuart Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 or Gideon’s International, Cleveland South Camp, P.O. Box 1163 Cleveland, TN 37312.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Hood family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.  (423) 338-2834