Alton E. Wood

Alton E. Wood was a truly special and remarkable man who made a lasting and positive impression on all those who knew him.  After 98 years, his earthly life ended on April 8, 2026 but the impacts of his life will continue to live on long after.  He was blessed to have a family who loved and adored him including his amazing wife of almost 70 years, Eloise, who preceded him in death, together with his sons and daughters-in-law (who he loved as though they were his daughters), Greg & Georgia Wood and Mark & Denise Wood.  Alton was preceded in death by his parents, Paul E. and Dunnie L. Wood and his 5 siblings but he leaves special nieces, nephews and in-laws to cherish his memory in addition to an abundance of friends and his church family at United Advent Christian Church.

Alton was a Godly man, a family man, and a man of foresight, compassion, ingenuity, integrity, generosity and love.  Recent comments from friends have described him as “a model of Godly living,” “a leader,” “an example of what a Christian is and does,” “an amazing, sweet, and wonderful man,” “a true role model,” “one of the finest men I have ever known,” “a true gentleman,” “a truly special friend,” “an amazing storyteller, full of kindness and laughter,” and many more.  

Alton was born on March 6, 1928 in Onslow County and he went to school at Chinquapin High School and Kings Business College.  He served in the National Guard for 6 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. His career began with Branch Bank in Wallace, followed by 9 years of employment at Smith Douglas Co. in Wilmington, then 3 years with NCR and finally 29 years with Carolina Savings and Loan in Wilmington, retiring in 1990 after Carolina’s merger with BB&T.  

While he had a successful and fulfilling career, his primary passions were always his family and his church. He was truly dedicated to both and contributed countless hours and abundant energy to help make sure that they were the best they could possibly be and for that we are eternally grateful to him.  We are blessed to have been a part of his family and to have experienced the love, laughter, guidance, support, and life moments (both big and small) that he so freely and generously shared with us each and every day of his life!

A service to honor his life and memory will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at United Advent Christian Church (4912 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28412) with visitation beginning at 11:30am and the service at 12:30pm, followed by interment at Oleander Memorial Gardens.  

Our family wants to thank all those who were vital to his care, comfort and happiness, with special thanks to his caring and supportive neighbors (Wayne & Johnny and Edwin & Candy) for their thoughtfulness over the years, to his compassionate caregivers including Donna and those from God’s Girls (Cristy, Suzanne, Chloe, Kathy, & Beth) and to his Home Hospice team.  In lieu of flowers, Alton’s wish was to honor his memory with memorials to United Advent Christian Church, 4912 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC  28412.  Thank you!