Lester Loyd Hood

Lester Loyd Hood III, 'Sonny' Age 56, of Albuquerque New Mexico passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2020, in the arms of his loving husband by his side of 16 1/2 years marriage, U.S. Navy veteran Chance Birdsall. Sonny was born March 28, 1964 to the late Loyd and Johnie Hood. He was the oldest of 2 siblings. On September 01, 2003, Sonny declared his love to Chance Birdsall, his husband. Sonny graduated from Levelland High School in 1982. In 1986 he received his Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Economics, Concentration in Secondary Education from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. In 1989, He received his J.D. Doctorate of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas School of Law. During law school, Sonny clerked for Dicky Grigg, Broadus Spivey and Associates. Once he became an attorney, he began his career with the City of Austin as Assistant City Attorney until 2005. Then he opened his own law firm and worked for Beverly J Landers and Associates until his retirement in 2014. Sonny's dedication and commitment as a proud U.T. Longhorn 'Go Horns' and was known within the City of Austin and its citizens as a Real Hero to so many, dedicating his life always ready to stand up for many just causes fighting for Equality, HIV and for our nation's LGBT and military helping repel 'Don' t Ask Don't Tell. Sonny is survived by his husband, Chance Birdsall, his father-in-law Mickey Birdsall, Sonny's sister and brother-in-law, Brandi (Hood) and Coy Collins, his nephew and fiancé, Cody Henegar and Beth Gann, great nephew, Tyler Gann; aunt and uncle, Casey Jay and Butch Foster, aunt and uncle, Rebecca and Leamon Hood and many cousins and others that Sonny considered family. Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Johnie, his grandparents, Hattie and Lester Hood and Mary Fay and Carl Sloan. There will be no service at this time. A celebration of life for our beloved Sonny Hood will beannounced and held at a later date and time. Arrangements entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 764-9663