Andrew Jackson Wood, Sr, 86 passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015 peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was born May 25, 1928 in Cullowhee, NC, the son of the late Dillard and Agatha Stephens Wood.
As a young man, Jack explored many job opportunities before finding his calling-education. One of the most memorable was his employment in the Post Office in the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C, where he delivered mail to every Congressman and Senator.
He began his education in a two-room schoolhouse in 1933 and ended with a master's degree from Western Carolina University in 1957. He was president of the student body during his senior year. Launching his professional career in Pineville as a 7th grade teacher, he saw fulfillment of his purpose in life-teaching young people. He served as principal of three schools in Mecklenburg County- Clear Creek (1959-65), Chantilly (1965-70) and Albemarle Road Elementary (1970-88). In 1982-83 he was named Principal of the Year for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Going to school every day was always exciting for him and each day was different. Providing a pleasant place for faculty and staff to work and creating an environment where students could learn and grow were his priorities. He thought the three R's were important, but the ACB's of school must include heavy doses of character building and behaving responsibly. "Schools Exist for Students" was his motto. His work ethic and philosophy were that work is honorable and something worthwhile should be accomplished every day.
Jack was active in Arlington Baptist Church for 56 years. His church family was very important to him. He served as a deacon, trustee, Sunday school teacher and on numerous committees.
He was a mason for 66 years in the East La Porte Lodge, Jackson County, of which he was a past master. He was also a charter member Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star there.
Jack loved traveling with his wife and they were fortunate to visit 49 states and 13 countries together-from the pyramids of Egypt to the Alps of Europe. Two visits to the Holy Land were the highlights of their traveling.
He was a loving husband and devoted to his family. He looked forward to times when they were together. He loved people and never met a stranger wherever he went.
Jack is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane Sowers Wood; his daughter Jill Lang (Jim); his sons, Andy Wood (Lisa) and Matt Wood ( Carrie); his grandchildren, A.J. Wood, Garrett Wood (Jessica) and Candice Wood, all off Charlotte. Also surviving are one brother, Baxter Wood of Cullowhee, NC; two sisters, Lois Jean Morgan of Sylva, NC and Janice Gentry of Elkin, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Don Wood, and five sisters, Lazelle Tracy, Blanche Campbell, Helen Loosier, Peggy Smith, Betty Bryant and Barbara Jo Wood. He will be remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at McEwen Funeral Service- Mint Hill Chapel on Friday, May 22 from 5:30 to 8:30pm and a service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00am at Arlington Baptist Church, 9801 Arlington Church Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227. An additional time of visitation will be on Sunday, May 24 from 6-8:30pm at Melton Funeral Home in Sylva.
A graveside service and burial will be at Balsam Grove Cemetery on Monday, May 25.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Nusrat Chaudhary and the staff of Novant Health Cancer Specialists, as well as the Novant Hospice Caregivers for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arlington Baptist Church Building Fund.
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