James "Rocky" Hood

Rocky Hood, 76, of Enka, NC, passed away at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center due to complications following a car accident that occurred on April 15th near Spartanburg, SC.

Born on April 30, 1949, in Andrews, NC, Rocky was the son of the late Betty Jane Dillingham, also of Andrews, NC. He is survived by his wife, Betty Hood of Enka, NC, daughter Georgina Johnson (Eric); grandchildren, Abby Davis (Chad), Jessica Johnson; and great-grandchildren Brecken, Fanden, Layne, Pierson, Perry, and Everly, all from Broken Arrow, OK.

Other relatives he is survived by include brothers Charlie (Judy) of Leesburg, GA; Danny “Jack” Hood (Cindy) of Andrews; and sisters Julie Lambert (Jim) of Cherokee, NC, and Rebecca Ledford (Chuck) of Mechanicsburg, PA, and several nieces and nephews. Rocky was also loved by all his in-laws: brother-in-law Larry Black (Lee Ann); Leroy “Joe” Black (Susan); Sister-in-laws Sonja Ashby (Paul); and Linda Buckner (Danny); and several more nieces and nephews.

Rocky served in the United States Army and was a graduate of Andrews High School, where he is a member of their Football Hall of Fame. He was employed by the NC Department of Corrections for 30 years.

He loved NASCAR racing and fishing on the lakes, always waiting to catch “the big one”. His favorite fishing partner was his friend Walter Ballew, who was like a brother to him and was with Rocky in his final moments. Other friends and extended family members he would want to mention include Jane, Virginia, Allen, the late Bill Carver, all his other fishing friends, and his special little buddy Ashton Early.

We cannot forget Rocky’s dog Tippy, his constant and faithful companion. He spoiled her so, never leaving her for long periods of time, always rushing home to her, feeding her anything she wanted, whenever she wanted it, including his snacks and breakfast biscuits in the mornings.

Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Penland Family Funeral Home in Swannanoa, NC, and followed by a brief service with military rites and burial at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 PM in Black Mountain, NC, officiated by Reverend Raymond Cantrell.

Special thanks to Rocky’s hospital care team at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, especially Victoria and Casey. They all showed great care, support, and compassion to him, his family, and friends during his stay there. 

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