Ralph Garry Wood, Sr., Age 72, of Gardendale, AL, passed away October 29, 2019 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, Pops and brother. He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Louise Oglesby, his father, Ralph Brackston Wood, his supportive stepfather, Edward Oglesby, his precious father-in-law and mother-in-law David and Ann Chancellor and his courageous brother-in-law, Shawn Whiting. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cindy Wood, his daughter, Maggie Heath and her husband Ray, his son Dr. Ralph Wood, Jr., his beautiful granddaughters, Elizabeth and Emmalea, his handsome grandsons, Braxton, Bryson, Bentley and Ethan, his two sisters Judy (Danny) Howell and Donna Whiting, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Ralph was born and raised in Alabama where he attended Ensley High School. After leaving school he had a host of jobs until he found his passion in the auto parts industry. He started working for the Anderson Family at Pro Parts/Ace Hardware in Midfield. That is where he met his wife back in 1980. He worked for The Andersons until 1987. Shortly after, he began working for the Parker Family at Westwood Auto Parts in Forestdale until he retired in 2016 anticipating the birth of twin grand babies. After retirement, he enjoyed helping to raise his six grandchildren who were his world.
Ralph was a hard core Alabama fan (ROLLLL TIDE) even though his son and his money went to Auburn University. He never missed an Alabama football game. In fact, you could find him watching any kind of sports at any given time. He also loved collecting old coins, grilling out for his family, visiting his lake house to get some down time and oh yeah, Alabama Football. One of the things he always looked forward to was his yearly vacation to Panama City Beach with his family where he made it a point to always get a steak from his favorite restaurant, Angelos. All in all he was just a good ole country boy who loved butter beans with a hunk of onion, a big glass of buttermilk with a slice of cornbread crumbled inside and to finish it off a huge bowl of any kind of ice cream.
The hardest thing to do is to put into words of exactly how much of an impact one of the greatest men who walked the planet had on everyones life. He was such a kind soul but boy would he get a rise if anyone ever hurt his family. He was always a protector and caretaker to his two younger sisters at an early age and he continued that throughout his life. He will truly be missed by all but we are at peace knowing he beat the cancer and his body is free. We serve an AWESOME God who promises us that we will see his precious face again one day.
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Ralph knew he was a true comedian and "prankster". You always had to keep your guard up because he would get you at any time when you least expected it. He had so much wit and such a good memory. He could tell a story like no ones business. Goodness the story of getting lost in Biloxi one year and walking through graveyards to find his hotel is a story that many will never forget. Now that you have got a glimpse into the life of a man who we thought hung the moon, we will leave you with this. His last joke that he ever told to anyone in his family. Look down your shirt, now spell ATTIC. I hope that put a smile on your face and you will always remember Ralph.
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