John Fred Wood Jr.

John Fred Wood, Jr. (Fred), 73, died on August, 25, 2011. A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Fred shared his love, laughter, and faith with all who knew him. He was a 35-year active member of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Fred was born on April 16, 1938 in Centreville, the only child of the late John Fred Wood, Sr. and the former Mildred Redditt Whiteside. He graduated from Bibb County High School and the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. In May of 1961, he married his college sweetheart, the former Dolores Crosby. They were fortunate to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this spring, surrounded by family and friends. Fred and Dolores were blessed with two children, Trey and Tracy, and spent their early married life in Centreville. The family moved to Birmingham in 1971 so that Fred could pursue his law degree at The Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. In his legal career, Fred was a long-time partner with the Birmingham law firm Dominick, Fletcher, Yeilding, Wood & Lloyd. He also was a member of the Birmingham Bar Association. Fred served on several corporate boards, including Hygia Health Services, Inc. Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard for 32 years, retiring in 1992 with the rank of Colonel. As an active citizen in his community and church, Fred aided numerous groups and activities including Birmingham homeless shelters, the Church of the Reconciler in Birmingham, Katrina recovery efforts in southern Mississippi, and mission trips to Mexico to help build churches in that country. In Vestavia Hills, he often was a Little League Baseball coach and enjoyed assisting in the construction of The Community Playground at Wald Park. Fred was a member of Vestavia Hills Country Club and a founding member and president of Cahaba Falls Country Club. He was also a long-time member of the Red Elephant Club in Birmingham. Fred's many interests included golf, Alabama football, whipping up new dishes in the kitchen, discussing current events, and traveling. He and Dolores shared many memorable travels both international and domestic, and some of their most treasured memories are from trips to the beach with loved ones. The family is forever grateful for the love and support provided by friends, neighbors, medical staff, and their church during Fred's battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor. Fred is survived by his wife, Dolores Wood, his children Trey (Kelly) Wood of Atlanta and Tracy (Scott) Comas of Birmingham. He also is survived by four grandchildren, Lindsey and Michael Comas and Julia and John Wood. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 29, 2011 at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church at 2:30 p.m. at 2600 Vestavia Drive, Birmingham, AL 35216. The family will receive friends at the church before the memorial service from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church.