Francis Eugene Wood Sr. (Gene), 80, of Farmville, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2009, in Lynchburg. He was born March 14, 1928 to William Henry and Margaret Camden Wood, of Buckingham. Gene served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, and was a member of the local VFW Post 7059. He was actively involved in civic and church activities all his life. He served many years as a deacon in the Baptist church. In recent years, he was a member of Smyrna United Methodist Church, a church counsel trustee, and timelessly and unselfishly worked in many capacities to serve the Lord. Gene will forever be remembered for his love of his family, and love of his fellow man. If he knew anyone that was in need in the community, he was quick to go to their aid with a smile and a kind word. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved nature and the land. He lived life to the fullest, whether he was planting his next garden, building his next project, or playing with his grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of unfailing love, faith, and devotion to his family and community.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edna Clabo Wood; three children, Sandra Wood Parker and husband, Marion Baker Parker Jr., of Suffolk; Francis Eugene Wood Jr. and wife, Chris Clevenger Wood, of Farmville, and Dwight Alexander Wood and wife, Lisa Day Wood, of Powhatan; his four sisters, Sue Wood Wilkinson, Dorothy Wood Wilkinson, Margaret Wood Garrett and Lucy Wood Wilson, all of Farmville, and his brothers, James F. Wood, of Powhatan, and John C. Wood, of Princeton, N.C. He was beloved by his four grandchildren, Camden Clabo Wood, Daniel Owen Wood, Morgan Alexander Wood and Cassidy Marie Wood; three step-grandchildren, Paul Preston Hicks III (Trey), Laura Ashley Coombe and Katherine Ellen Rowland; and three step-great-grandchildren, Madison Nicole Moreland, Hayden Pierce Rowland and Lleyton Carlisle Coombe.
A funeral service was held Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Puckett Funeral Home, with interment at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery in Buckingham County. Memorials may be made to Smyrna United Methodist Church, c/o Phyllis Goin, P.O. Box 490, 132 Campbell Hill Road, Prospect, VA 23960, Buckingham Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 444, Dillwyn, VA 23936 or to a charity of your choice. Puckett Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.