Eden - Johnny Edgar Hood, 70, of Eden, Ga., passed into the presence of the Lord March 30, 2011 at home in his recliner, as he wanted it to be. He had been under the care of Savannah Hospice since December, 2010. He was born in Swainsboro, Ga., on August 11, 1940. He graduated Swainsboro High School in 1958. He used to serve as substitute school bus driver as a sixteen year old school mate for Swainsboro High. He married his first love on December 24, 1959, and recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. He began building cabinets while in Swainsboro. On March 17, 1960, he began working at Union Camp and remained there until July of 1975. During his tenure at Union Camp, he continued to build cabinets on a part-time basis. The Lord blessed his endeavors and Johnny went full-time into his business, Hood's Cabinet Shop, until his retirement in 2009. During his illustrious career as a master craftsman, Johnny built cabinets for Frank Sinatra, author John Jakes, Wimbledon champion Stan Smith, Fran Tarkington, Steven Seagal, and Evonne Goolagong, among other celebrities. He worked building custom designs for Advance Kitchen Designs on Hilton Head Island for nearly 30 years. Even more important to Johnny was his investment into the Kingdom of God. He was an active member of the Bloomingdale Alliance Church for the past 41 years. He has been friends with the Pastor, Rev. Ken Otto, since 1960. There he actively supported with tithes and supported world missions beyond that. His son caught his example and served as missionary for 7 years in France and Mali, Africa. Johnny's hobbies included water skiing, fishing, airplane piloting, golfing and RVing with his buddies.

Johnny is survived by his "Verna Mae," (his beloved wife); daughter, Pam and husband Ronnie, of 33 years; son, Keith and wife Janice of 24 years; daughter, Tammy and husband Chris of 27 years; 8 grandchildren and 5 great grand children; brothers, James and Cecile; sisters, Albina and Sandy, all of Swainsboro.

Johnny asserted the greatest day of his life was on this past Christmas day. He could not attend church services due to his recent bought with an extended illness. His family met with him in Bible study and worship. We sang songs and prayed in the Spirit. He asserted to all, "This is the happiest day of my life!" I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John v4)

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011 at the funeral home.

Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Bloomingdale Alliance Church located at 501 West Highway 80 with burial to follow at Effingham Memorial Gardens.

Thomas C. Strickland
& Sons Funeral Home
West Chatham Chapel
901 West Highway 80
Pooler, GA 31322.
(912) 748-2444