OBITUARY: Dawsey W Hood, Jr

Dawsey (“Buddy”) W. Hood Jr. passed away peacefully at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro on September 02, 2025 at the age of 94.

He was the son of the late Dawsey W. Hood Sr. and Pauline Hood and was preceded in death by his wife Hedda, and brothers Bennie and William Hood. Dawsey is survived by his two daughters, Sylvia Melton (Glenn) and Dawn Selleny, granddaughters Jessica, Kayla, Elizabeth and Ashley, and four great-grandchildren.

He was a native of Pacolet, South Carolina, and was a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He initially settled in the Nashville area after leaving the military and spent his last 25 years in Rutherford County. Dawsey had a lifelong passion for the Air Force, photography and traveling. He was a friend to all and loved to talk about his adventures with anyone who would listen. He also loved Big Band music and acquired a love and talent for ballroom dancing.

He was always a person you could count on and didn’t hesitate to help anyone in need. As the last generous gesture in a long life of helping others, Dawsey graciously donated his body to the Vanderbilt Anatomical Donation Program to advance education and clinical training of medical students, physicians and other medical personnel.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Tennessee State Veterans Home for all of the compassionate care given to Dawsey during his stay. A special thanks to the hospice team from Caris Healthcare in his final days.

A private ceremony for his cremains will take place at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in the spring of 2026. Contributions to the American Legion or in Dawsey’s memory are welcome. He always enjoyed life to the fullest and will be deeply missed.

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