Arlyn Edward Wood Sr.

A visitation for Arlyn Edward “Ed” Wood, Sr., 75, Copperas Cove, will be held Monday, December 26, 2016, from 5-7 p.m., in Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home chapel, Copperas Cove, with Rosary recitation at 6:00 p.m. Mass of a Christian burial is Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, in Copperas Cove. Burial will follow the service in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

After battling health challenges for many years, Ed peacefully passed away in his sleep, on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, while holding the hand of Nancy, his beloved bride of 54 years, at their home.

Ed was born in Eupora, Mississippi, on January 30, 1941 to Jess and Marie (Harrison) Wood. He was one of eight children. At an early age, he learned to hunt and work in the lumber business, to help provide for the family.

He was a soldier’s soldier, enlisting in the U.S. Army at the age of 17, and serving 28 years on active duty. While stationed at Fort Chaffee, Ark., he met Nancy Center of Fort Smith, Ark. The couple married in 1962. Together, they raised two sons. His other military assignments included Fort Sill, Okla., Fort Hood, Tx., Korea, two tours in South Vietnam, and multiple tours in Germany. He achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major, serving twice as Division Sergeant Major for the 1st Armored Division in Amberg, Germany, and the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Tx. During his military service, Command Sergeant Major Wood earned the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters and V Device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, and numerous other awards and decorations.

Shortly after military retirement, Ed joined the former Chevrolet dealership in Copperas Cove where he worked for many years until full retirement. He was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the 1st Calvary Division Association. He was an avid family man, a Dallas Cowboys fan, an expert gardener, and loved to barbecue and plan gatherings for family and friends.

Mr. Wood is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife Nancy K. Wood, Copperas Cove; both sons, Arlyn E. Wood II, of Fort Lewis, Wash., and Gregory “Pat” (Jaime) Wood, Fairfax, Va.; five grandchildren, one great grandson; three sisters, Mae Clayton, Tampa, Fla., Mildred (Wylie) Bailey, Columbus, Miss., and Barbara (Jim) Hayes, Alton, Mo., and many nieces and nephews.

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home of Copperas Cove is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com.