Early “Joe” Josiah Wood, Jr. passed away on Thursday, August 24,2023. Joe was born in Martinsville, VA on April 16, 1947. He was the son of the late Early Josiah Wood, Sr. and the late Virginia Barnes Wood.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Dickerson Wood of Martinsville, VA, his sons, John Philip Wood (Brittany) of Garner, NC and David Josiah Wood of Fieldale, VA, his daughter, Emily Jane Wood Sumner (Shaun) of Raleigh, NC, his sisters, Debra (Debby) Wood Watlington (Clay) and Ellen Lou Wood of Martinsville, Va., his grandsons, Tatum James Wood, Titus John Wood, and Trenton Jack Wood of Garner, NC and his granddaughter, Scarlet Jane Sumner of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gwen Dickerson Hedgepeth of Raleigh, NC, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joe was a graduate of Drewey Mason High School and Mars Hill University. He received his Master of Education from the University of Virginia. Joe spent his career with the Henry County Public School System, most notably as Principal of Sanville Elementary School, Figsboro Elementary School, and Ridgeway Elementary School. Joe was dedicated above all to his family and community. He was a lifetime member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. He loved fishing, playing golf, and more than anything his family.
Honorary Pallbearers were Gene Stowe, Tommy Fain, Pete Pearman, Jerry Wood, Jimmy Wood, Kenny Wood, Johnny Wood, Richard Wood, and Clay Watlington.
Memorial may be made in lieu of flowers to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
A memorial service was held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 3:00 PM. A visitation was held Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 6 to 8 PM at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville, Virginia.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. served the family.
To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.
