Thomas "Tommy" Wood Sr.

On December 6, 2011, Tommy told us farewell, took the hand of Jesus and walked through the pearly gates. There he was joined by his wife of 64 years, Mary Malpass Wood. Together with Jesus they were joined by their two daughters Mary Elizabeth Wood, Barbara Crocker, and husband Roger. Also, there was his Mother and Father, Walter L. and Lottie Conway Wood, and his brothers and sisters with their spouses. What a celebration at the feet of Jesus over another Saint coming home.

In 1944 Tommy joined the Navy and served his country in WWII. He was honored on April 20th, 2011, as he went to WWII Memorial in Washington, DC on the Honors Flight with the assistance of a wonderful helper, Vester Burroughs. In 1983 he and mother traveled all over the U.S. in their camper to see all the beautiful sights he had only seen in books. He enjoyed growing vegetables and sharing them with others. He was a kind and loving man who would go the extra mile to help anyone. He loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild. He loved to rock his babies and sing songs to them for hours. He will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In 1951 he helped establish the Winter Park Volunteer Fire Department and served as Chief for many years. He has been a member of the IBEW for 59 years. He was a member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Winter Park Baptist Church for many years, a charter member of Fernside Baptist Church, and for the last 45 years has been a member of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. He has been a teacher, deacon, and mentor for many on how to live a rewarding life for his Lord. Even in his last day, if you came to see him, he would tell you how much he loved the Lord and he was just waiting on Him.

He leaves to celebrate his life and wonderful memories two sons, Thomas Wood Jr. and wife Joan of Trinity, N.C., Clarence Wood and wife Mary of Wilmington, and one daughter, Linda Millis and husband James of Hampstead; Eight grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be Friday, December 9, 2011 from 6 to 8 PM at Coble Ward-Smith, Oleander Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church, 5524 Myrtle Grove Road, Wilmington, NC 28409, officiated by Rev. Paul Waters and Rev. Billy Fowler. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Liberty Hospice, Kelly and Kay. Memorial donations can be made to Myrtle Grove Baptist Church and Castle Hayne Baptist Church, 4535 Parmele Rd., Castle Hayne, NC 28457.

The staff of Coble Ward-Smith is honored to serve the family of Tommy Wood.