Dr. J. William Hood

J.WILLIAM HOOD, 82, passed away suddenly but peacefully on November 28, 2014. He was born on April 21, 1932, to John E. and Geneva Turnham Hood in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was the first baby born in the newly developing community of Nichols Hills. “Billy”, as he was known to his lifelong friends, attended Nichols Hills Elementary, Harding Junior High and Classen High School, where he was a member of the Class of 1950. He then attended the University of Oklahoma where he joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and earned admission into Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated in three years and was admitted to the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine where he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He married Sue Derhammer in 1955, and together they raised four children. After graduating from medical school in 1957, Bill spent a year as a medical intern at the University of Rochester in Minnesota. In 1958, he returned to Oklahoma City where he completed his residency and fellowship in internal medicine. In 1962, he began his service in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Paris, France at the American Hospital. After serving four years, Bill was discharged at the rank of Major and returned to Oklahoma City with his young family, forever changed by their European living and traveling experience.

Bill joined the Oklahoma City Clinic and practiced internal medicine there until 1969, when he entered into his own private practice. He developed an expertise in the sub-specialty of gastroenterology and became a pioneer in the field of endoscopic diagnosis. Bill served as Chief of Medicine at St. Anthony Hospital and for many years was a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center. He also served as President of the Bird Society/Friends of the Library of the OU Medical Center. He practiced medicine for 40 years before retiring in 1998.

Bill was a quiet philanthropist supporting many diverse charities, often anonymously. He was a charter member of the United Methodist Church of Nichols Hills. Bill was a frequent platelet donor at the Oklahoma Blood Institute. He had a great appreciation for art, fine food and world travel. He was also a skilled gardener and a lifelong fitness enthusiast. He loved to read and constantly strove to further his education and broaden his horizons. He loved all things French and studied the language and culture clear into his 80s. In his retirement, Bill cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren, particularly at holidays when he often cooked the meals and always served the wine. In recent years, Bill could be seen almost daily walking his constant companion Beau in the Nichols Hills parks. He loved the fellowship of his many dear and loyal friends, particularly his weekly “bean day” lunch group, his Sunday supper club and his old docs group.

Bill is survived by Sue, his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, and their four children: sons Andy and wife Elaine of Oklahoma City, Henry and wife Laura, of Nichols Hills and Michael and wife Sylvia, of Dallas Texas; and his daughter Tetene Hood Meltzner and her husband Steve, of Edmond. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Emily and Carter Hood, Sydney and Emory Hood, Maggie and Lexie Hood and Parke and Olivia Metzer. Bill is also survived by his sister Martha Ann Hood Hill, her husband Gene of Ardmore, and their three children, Steve Hill, Julie Jordan and Laura Peraino, as well as his sister-in-law Pat Adams of Centerville, Ohio and her 3 children.

A memorial service to remember and honor Bill will be held at the Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, at 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 2, 2014. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to any of Bill’s favorite charities, including: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Positive Tomorrows and Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.