Mr. John William "J.W." Wood Jr., a beloved figure in his community, passed away on January 14, 2025, on what would have been his 93rd birthday. He was born in Carrollton, Georgia, to the late John William Wood Sr. and Effie Maxwell Wood, who instilled in him the values of hard work and integrity from an early age.

J.W. completed his high school education at Whitesburg High School and pursued higher education at West Georgia College, where he expanded his knowledge and honed his skills in various subjects. In addition to his educational achievements, J.W. proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he dedicated himself to protecting and defending the nation. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of discipline, responsibility, and commitment to service.

Alongside his wife, Helen, he founded Wood Wholesale Co., a business that would become a staple in the community, providing goods and services for several decades. His dedication to his work paid off, and he successfully operated the company until his retirement in 1985.

Throughout his life, J.W. was a dedicated member of Roopville Baptist Church, contributing to various church activities and supporting fellow parishioners. His commitment to service extended beyond his church; he was also a prominent member of the Carroll Masonic Lodge #69 F&AM, participating in numerous events and charitable initiatives. J.W. was proud to be a part of the Shriners and the Scottish Rite, organizations that helped him connect with others who shared his values of community and philanthropy for over 50 years.

J.W. Wood will be remembered for his business acumen, community service, and the kindness and wisdom he shared with everyone around him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Helen Wood; son-in-love, Jeff Jackson; five brothers; and five sisters.

He leaves behind a loving family that includes his daughters & sons-in-law, Lisa W. Jackson, Dale & Tony McElwaney, Gale & John Haney, and son & daughter-in-law, John & Jane Wood, III. J.W.'s legacy continues through his grandchildren Jennifer Jackson Phillips (Jeremy), Laura Jackson Gibbs, Megan McElwaney Lee ( Michael), Lucy McElwaney Hall (Cody), Beth Haney Hickman (Corey), Matthew Haney, John Wood IV, Hunter Wood; and great-grandchildren, Anna Kate Phillips, Wade Gibbs, Conner Gibbs, Emma McBride, Bailey Hall, Harper Hall, Cash Hickman, Mac Hickman, and Aiden Wood, who carry his spirit and love in their hearts.

A funeral service will honor and celebrate J.W.'s life on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM from Roopville Baptist Church, with John Haney officiating. Interment will follow in Carroll Memory Gardens, with the American Legion Post #143 rendering military honors. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Hunter Wood, Wade Gibbs, Conner Gibbs, Cash Hickman, Mac Hickman, and Andy Etheridge. Jeremy Phillips, Corey Hickman, Cody Hall, Michael Lee, Jerry Wood, and Mark Muse will be seated as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 1:00 PM until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center or the Adams Heart Center through the Tanner Health Foundation, www.tanner.org/tanner-health-foundation/ways-to-give , or to the Shriners Hospital, www.lovetotherescue.org .

The family would like to sincerely thank Andrea Jackson from Right at Home Care for the love and care she provided to their dad over the past year. They also extend their gratitude to Shellie Cloud at Tanner Hospice for her support during his final days, and to Brookdale Assisted Living for the care, love, and many friendships they offered.

Friends and family are invited to send condolence messages to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.