William "Buster" Mathew Hood Jr.

William "Buster" Mathew Hood, Jr. went to his "forever home" in Heaven on December 8, 2019 after a 3 year battle with cancer and Alzheimer. He was born in the family home off Hood Landing Road on March 23, 1934 in Mandarin, Florida to William "Willie" Hood and Stella Mills Hood. His family settled in the Mandarin area in the late 1800's. Hood Landing Road was named after his Grandfather, Milton Hood. Most of his 85 years he lived in Mandarin near Julington Creek.

He was a member of Switzerland Community Church for many years. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves.

Buster is survived by his children Julia Hood, Billy Hood (Laura) and Debby Ferrell (Oscar).

Grandchildren: Tara Hood, Amanda Ferranti (Marc), Wil Hood, Burt Ferrell, Hank Ferrell and Danielle "Baby D" Ferrell.

Great-grandchildren: Chase Stratton, Mayve Hood and Justin Lewis, Jr.

Step children: Donna Vignaroli (Ed), Sheila Ellis (Joe) and Dale Kellerman (Liz).

Step grandchildren, Brittanny Ferrell, Hayston Alford, Anthony Vignaroli, Andrew Vignaroli, Gina Marie Vignaroli Irby (Will), Shawn White, Daniel White, Courtney Ellis, Joey Ellis, Stormy Baxter, Noah Kellerman, Piper Kellerman

Buster was predeceased by his wife Diane Waters Hood after 27 years of marriage, his wife Gloria Mae Stoops Hood after 26 years, his sisters Joyce Hood and Jean Hammock and Step daughter Jeannie Dail.

Buster graduated from Landon High School and attended Jacksonville University. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from University of Florida. He retired from the City of Jacksonville as Chief of Streets and Highways. After several years in the private sector he open William Hood and Associates. After 30 years he closed the business but continued as a consultant until 2017 with ETM, Inc.. Buster was a Lifetime Honorary Board Member of the North East Florida Builders Association.

Buster enjoyed the outdoors and traveling. He traveled to many states and countries. He fished from the Florida Keys to Alaska and hunted form Canada to Argentina. He enjoyed investing in the stock market and real estate. He appreciated simple thing like sitting around the camp fire or having lunch at Famous Amos.

Buster was a honest, generous and loving man. Most of all he was a wonderful and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We will miss him always and treasure the time with him.

Pallbearers: Wil Hood, Burt Ferrell, Hank Ferrell, Chase Stratton, Brett Banks and Ron Tooke.

Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Thurs, Dec 12, 2019 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, 32223. The funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Fri, Dec 13, 2019 at Switzerland Community Church, 2179 St. Rd. 13, 32259. The family will reconvene for interment at Oaklawn Cemetery at 12:45pm, 4801 San Jose Blvd, 32207.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. (904) 288-0025.