Chessley Keith Wood, age 74, of Ragley, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023. Chessley was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on March 16, 1948 to Cecil and Wilma Wood. Chessley graduated class of 1966 from Sam Houston High School in Moss Bluff and shortly afterwards was drafted by the United States Army and served a tour in Vietnam.
After working for some different contractors over the years he decided to go into business for himself. So in 1979, he opened Chessley Wood Construction. He bought a dozer and worked long hours to support his family. The rest is history. He did anything from big commercial jobs to small residential jobs and anything in between. He made a lot of friends along the way in the construction world.
Chessleys' favorite pastime was camping at Toledo Bend and most of all white perch fishing. He would stay out on the water for hours fishing for crappie. Only thing he liked better than fishing for crappie was eating them. That was definitely his favorite food.
Chessley was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Deborah Wood, his youngest son, Troy Wood, and his parents, Cecil and Wilma Wood.
Those left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Jason and Selena Wood of Lake Charles, and Sean and Kristy Wood of Ragley, grandchildren; Dene (Lance) Cason, Josie Wood, Austin Wood, Faith Wood, Riley Wood, Olivia Wood, and Tatum Wood, great-grandson; Elijah Cason, sisters; Carolyn (Joe) Valenti, Lisa (Les) Powell, Connie Gill, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A very special thank you to Ms. Mary Jane Sensat for bringing joy and happiness into Chessleys' life, and for showing him love and compassion even after tragedy. A special thanks to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff. Also a very special thank you to everyone at Harbor Hospice on Lake St in Lake Charles for making Chessleys' last days as comfortable as possible.
The family will welcome the public for visitation at Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 5 pm until 9 pm. Visitation will resume the following day Friday, January 27, 2023 at 8 am until time of funeral service officiated by Father Jeffrey Starkovich at 10 am. Interment will follow at New Ritchie Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonmossbluff.com for the Wood family.
