West Melbourne

Hood N. Wilkison, 87, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. A native of Florida, Hood was born on March 19, 1927 in Miami and was the son of the late Cortez and Clarice Hood-Wilkison. Hood honorably served in the US Navy and following his 25 years of commitment with the City of Miami, he retired as a firefighter. Hood relocated to Melbourne, FL in 1981. He will be remembered as a generous and hardworking man whom was dedicated to his faith, family and country. Survivors include his children, Joyce McDaniel (Mac); Donna MacPherson (Stan), Tom (Virginia), Judi Calabrese (Steve) and Bruce Gems (Roxann); brothers, Jim and Roy (Leanna); sister, Rose Garner; grandchildren, Shawn, Rachel, Matthew, Elizabeth, Courtney, Clarice, Natalee and Tony; 3 adoring great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Oreo. Hood was predeceased by his 1st wife, Lois and 2nd wife, Mary Jo Gems. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th at the Melbourne Church of Christ with funeral services to follow at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Hood to: Melbourne Church of Christ (Memo: David Logue Mission Fund), 810 Hollywood Blvd., W. Melbourne, FL 32904.