Wallis W. Wood, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 16, 2024, while under hospice care. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 23, 1941, to Wallis W. Wood and Leta Mellon. He attended the Cranbrook Schools, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and graduated in the Class of 1959. He attended Williams College, and went on to have a remarkable and varied career.
Known by everyone as Chip, he published best-selling books in the 70s, hosted a popular radio show on CBS radio (WRNG) in Atlanta, Georgia in the 80s, and founded Soundview Communications in 1990, a notable marketing and publishing company. Chip won numerous broadcast and journalism awards, including “excellence in broadcast journalism” by the Georgia Associated Press in 1987.
Chip brought his endless optimism and good cheer to everyone he met. He was known for his joyful spirit, big smile and boundless curiosity. Chip loved international travel, and had enjoyed many cruise ship adventures over the years, as well as hiking, boating, diving, land tours and safaris. The Mouse was a special friend, and he had a lifetime of visiting the Disney theme parks many times over. Atlanta Braves baseball was another passion, and he shared this love with his sons every baseball season. He enjoyed conservative politics and had an online blog for several years with wide readership. He wrote, traveled, and lectured widely on issues involving freedom and free enterprise. He enjoyed life and had a deep love for his family. Chip was ever the joyful traveler on this earthly journey, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Chip is survived by Nancy, his beloved wife of 21 years, and his brother, Tim Wood (Kristy) of Beaufort, SC, along with four children, Walter Wood of Waynesville, NC; Victoria Rice of Birmingham, AL; Garret Wood (Alissa) of Atlanta, GA; and Marc Wood (Naomi) of Westfield, NJ; plus seven grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by three stepchildren, Joshua Roberts (Cori) of Atlantic Beach, FL; Rachel Mattox (Matthew) of Jacksonville Beach, FL; Micah Roberts (Lizzie) of Jacksonville, FL; plus five step-grandchildren.
Chip was preceded in death by his former wife, Ruth C. Wood, his son, Christopher Wood, and his brother, Jeff Wood.
A private inurnment ceremony and Celebration of Life will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel and Cemetery to honor and remember the life of Chip Wood. Pastor Shawn Maxwell of the Church of Eleven22 will be presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to:
The Leadership Institute, 1101 N. Highland Street Arlington, VA 22201 https://www.leadershipinstitute.org/
Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1301 Palm Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32207 https://www.baptistmdanderson.com/.
To view the livestream of the service, please visit:
https://youtube.com/live/PoKYQU-Xkc0?feature=share
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DONATIONS
The Leadership Institute 1101 N. Highland Street , Arlington, Virginia 22201
Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center 1301 Palm Avenue , Jacksonville, Florida 32207
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