Michael Wayne Hood

Michael W. Hood, 64, of Brooksville, passed away July 1st. Mike was the father to six children: Michael, Jim, Maria, Tabitha, Thomas, and Theresa. He was the Papa to 18 grandchildren. Mike is survived by his children and grandchildren; his mother, Mary; his sisters- Rosie, Margaret, and Della, and his brother Travis. He was preceded in death by his father, F.A. Hood, and his sister Cheryl. Mike was a truck driver for 33 years- something he was incredibly proud of. He worked so hard his entire life, to provide for his family and himself. He came into my life when I was four years old. He married my mother- a single mom of four kids all under the age of six. He adopted all of us and we were never treated any differently than his “real” kids. When we were growing up, he taught us many lessons- the most valuable lessons in life were the ones we learned the hard way. Discipline, hard work, and love taught us how to love in return, how to work for what we wanted, and to always do whatever we could to help those in need. Without the constant presence of my dad in our lives, we wouldn't have been able to chase the dreams that we always considered unreachable. He always believed in us and that is a beautiful thing- to have someone put so much faith in you, even when you didn't deserve it. His beautiful light will leave a void in our lives that will never be filled. He always wanted to be a better man and I find myself praying he knew that all we ever wanted was to be like him. He was a helper. He helped everyone, no matter what it was. He would do whatever he could to provide. He taught us all that hard work, no matter what kind of work it was, was something to be proud of. Many people would have considered my dad a simple man, and maybe he was. Or maybe he just figured out the things that really mattered in life- love and service to others. I think what we are most proud of is that my dad was the type of person who would help anyone, no matter what the circumstance. He saved us all, at some point. He was so very loved and he will be missed more than he ever knew he would be. The most devastating feeling in the world is that the person you love is here one minute and gone the next. Perhaps the greatest testament of a life well-lived can be found in how much they are grieved when they are gone. You were a good man, something that is not that common these days. Thank you for choosing us. Thank you, Dad, for loving us when we were unlovable. Thank you for never giving up on us. We will live each day with the loss of you, knowing that you were one of the hardest working men we knew- and also one of the very best. We love you, Dad. (Written by Maria McCoy) Memorial services will be held on Thursday, July 6th, at 6pm at Lifestyle Church of God: 21345 Sanderson Rd, Lacoochee, FL 33537.