Dr. D. Clifton Wood

Dr. D. Clifton Wood, 94, passed away March 1, 2021 at his home in Charlotte. He was born August 30, 1926 in Talladega, AL to Dewie Elizabeth Hurst and Otis Clifton Wood and lived in Alabama during his early years.

After serving as a Navy medic during WW II, and then graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University, he married Margaret Price and they began their first pastorate together in Lexington, NC as pastor and musician. They went on to pastor other Wesleyan churches in Lynchburg, VA, Greensboro, NC and Charlotte for 55 years. He acquired a Masters degree and Doctorate in counseling during those years. He joined the staff of Calvary Church in Charlotte and served on staff there for 20 years, founding the church’s Counseling Center.

After retirement, he started Shepherd’s Lifeline, a ministry to pastors and wives. He enjoyed many years of mentoring those in ministry, eventually aided by wife Ernstena (Ernie) a wonderful companion whom he married in 2007. He continued counseling even in his final months.

It was his great joy was to provide the gift to start the Clifton Wood Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology at Southern Wesleyan University which welcomed its first class in spring of 2021, with a waiting list for the next class.

He was preceded in death by wife Margaret Price Wood, and sons Robert Wood and Barry Wood. He is survived by wife Ernstena Parker Wood, sister Louise Pate, daughter Beverly Wood Wilson and husband Richard, and daughter in law Carmen Wood; grandchildren Lindsay Few (Brian), of Wilmington, Courtney Clark (Stuart), Stephanie Wilson (Jonathan), Nathan, Martina, Elyse and Sophia Wood of Charlotte. Great-grandchildren Stella, Oliver, Asher and Merrick Few, Arthur, Henry and George Clark. He happily embraced the addition of Ernie’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the sanctuary of Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226 on Saturday, March 13 at 11:00 am with live streaming for those unable to attend in person. The event will be distanced and attendees are requested to wear masks. The burial will be private.

He requested that in lieu of flowers, he be remembered by donations to the Dr. D Clifton Wood Masters Degree in Counseling at Southern Wesleyan University, or to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region, who served him and his family with remarkable kindness and care; and Brenda Sheppard, who worked with the family for many years and was an invaluable help during the past few months. Additional thanks for the wonderful staff and care providers of ComForCare, especially Henry, they were “ministers of caregiving”, according to Clifton.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.