Amos Whitfield "Whitty" Hood, Jr.

Amos Whitfield “Whitty” Hood, Jr., 77, of West Monroe, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2025. He was born in Monroe, Louisiana, on June 6, 1947, to Amos Whitfield Hood, Sr., and Helen Hawkins Hood and grew up in a loving home.

Whitty married Jenny Hattaway in 1968, and shortly after college, they made their home and built a beautiful life together in West Monroe. His deep love for her was evident in the way he cherished, supported, and stood by her through every season of life. Whitty was immensely proud of their two sons and daughters-in-law, Bradley and Jennifer and Trenton and Brittney. His love for his family was steadfast, and he treasured every moment as “PaPa” to his five grandchildren, Ellie, Katie, Ethan, Emmy, and Truett watching them grow and finding joy in their accomplishments.

Whitty was dependable and generous, known for his warmth, humor, and keen wit. He loved the Lord and enjoyed spending time studying God’s Word with a local men’s Bible Study group. He spent countless hours pouring wisdom and guidance into his boys and their families, enjoyed sharing interesting things and funny stories, and loved watching LSU sports and cheering on the West Monroe Rebels. He found joy in cooking for others, whether it was a big pot of Louisiana gumbo or a stack of flapjacks made with love for his grandkids, and he always found time for a golf cart ride or a round of Monopoly. His family loved him beyond measure and will cherish every minute of the time they spent with him.

In his early years, Whitty attended West Monroe High School where he was a member of the football team and named a class favorite as a senior. After graduation, he attended Louisiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Economics. Getting his start as a bank teller, he spent over 40 years in the banking industry, guiding businesses and individuals through critical financial decisions, from securing loans to planning long-term investments. His expertise allowed him to build lasting relationships based on trust and sound financial advice. 

Whitty had a deep love for Louisiana and a heartfelt dedication to the West Monroe community. He was actively involved in many local organizations, serving as a board member and chairman of the Board of Trustees at Glenwood Regional Medical Center and as a board member for KEDM Public Radio. In 1980, he was named Outstanding Young Man of Louisiana by the Jaycees, and in 2010, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from West Monroe High School. He was deeply proud of co-founding Ouachita Independent Bank with his longtime friend, Clyde White, creating a local, trusted institution where Whitty served as President until his retirement in 2012. After his retirement, he continued to offer guidance and share his expertise in banking and financial consulting. In December, Whitty was honored with the A.O. Evans Award, given annually by the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce to recognize an individual for their contributions to the West Monroe area.

Whitty was preceded in death by his loving parents, Amos Whitfield Hood, Sr. and Helen Hawkins Hood; his father-in-law, J.L. Hattaway; and two brothers-in-law, Ed Dewees and Burt Collins.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jenny; sons, Bradley and wife, Jennifer, and Trenton and wife, Brittney; five beautiful grandchildren, Ellie (22), Katie (18), Ethan (17), Emmy (14), and Truett (9). He also leaves behind a loving sister, Amy Dewees; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Charles “Cooter” Lenard, Janice Collins, and Butch and Kathy Hattaway; mother-in-law, Alamae Hattaway; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Whitty will be deeply missed by his family and dear friends, and he leaves a lasting legacy for them all. The faithfulness and generosity of God were made evident through how he lived his life, and we find hope and comfort in the knowledge that He is now resting and rejoicing in the arms of Jesus.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4

A celebration of Whitty’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Cedar Crest Baptist Church in West Monroe with Greg Clark and Tom Lowe officiating. Interment will follow immediately after at Hasley Cemetery, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Friday, February 28, 2025, at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe.

Pallbearers will be Richard Bordelon, Charles Lenard, Dr. Tom Lolley, Wyman Mardis, Rob Schott, Lawson Swearingen, Clyde White, and Chris Windham.

Honorary pallbearers will be the former directors of Ouachita Independent Bank: Larry Bowling Doug Caldwell, Harold Dickens, Joey McGinn, Craig Pate, Dale Williams, Greg Scallan, and Dr. King Scott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of your choice, with special consideration for local organizations that benefit the West Monroe community.