Colonel (Ret.) Marion Madison Wood

Born on November 9, 1928, in Greer, South Carolina, Matt graduated from Greer High School in 1945 before attending Clemson University, where he was a proud member of the ROTC program. A lifelong Clemson Tigers fan, his devotion to his alma mater never wavered.

Following his graduation, Matt honorably served his country in the Korean War. Upon returning home, he eloped with his high school sweetheart, Margaret Godfrey, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and service. Their journey took them across the world during his distinguished military career, including assignments in Germany, Turkey, Washington, D.C., Oregon, and California.

Rising to the rank of Full Colonel, Matt dedicated his life to military service. He obtained a Master of Science from Iowa State University and served two tours in Vietnam. His remarkable career included work on the Hoover Dam and involvement in the development of the first missile silos in the United States. Among his many accolades, he was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Legion of Merit, Korean Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with metal pendant, the United Nations Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. He retired from the U.S. Army on January 1, 1977, after more than two decades of service to his country.

After retiring from the Army, Matt and his family remained in Columbia, SC, where he served as the Commissioner of Public Works for Richland County from 1978 to 1990. His leadership and contributions left a lasting impact on the community he called home. In 2017, Matt and Margaret moved to Mobile, AL, to be closer to their daughter.

Matt was an avid outdoorsman. He was passionate about fishing, hunting, and Clemson football. If he wasn't working in the yard, you would find him on the water or in the woods.

Matt was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Margaret Wood. He is survived by his children: Tony (Shelia) Wood, Dr. Terry (Donna) Wood, and Margo (Rob) Ladner; his grandchildren: Noah (Jessica) Wood, Ann Mechele (Jonathon) Hall, Rebecca (David) Vincent, Morgan (Clark) Kennedy, and Amanda (Jerad) Hayes; and his great-grandchildren: Madison Wood, Charlotte Wood, Woods Kennedy, Wren Kennedy, Nori Rose Hall, and Everest Hall.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, where friends and family will gather to honor his remarkable journey. Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street, Columbia, SC. Visitation will be from 11:30-12:30 with a service held at 12:30. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

He was a soldier, a leader, a husband, a friend, and a great provider—forever loved, never forgotten.