Charles was born in Bishop, Virginia on October 14, 1947, to John and Winnie Wood and spent the days of his youth in War, West Virginia. He attended Big Creek High School and received his high school GED while serving in the military. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army and a proud veteran of two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. Charles retired in Ohio from Sonoco Fibre Drum and moved to Homestead, Florida where he married the love of his life, Joyce, on June 21, 1998. He was a devoted animal rescuer and committed to finding suitable homes for abandoned, neglected and abused dogs, many times in his own home.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents; sons Robert John Wood and Donnie Pitts; two sisters, Gladys Wood, and Marvin Smith; and two brothers, Butch Wood, and John Wood.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Joyce; children, Doug Wood, Teresa Wood, and Ashley Wood; daughter Rhonda Young-Tenn and husband Mike; grandchildren, Skylar Wood, Cody Wood, Gavin Cross, Zachary Baker, Shae Baker, Amanda Parker-Pitts, Michael Young-Tenn., Chaise Dawson , Grey Hobbs and Shana Hatfield ; sister, Jane May; brothers Ray Wood and wife Angel, Steve Wood and wife Susie, and Richard Wood and wife Diane; plus his many adoring nieces and nephews.
Charles was not only a wonderful man and husband, but an outstanding father, grandfather, uncle, best friend, and so much more. He was the soul mate and inspiration to his wife, Joyce—her steadfast rock that helped her through thick and thin. He impressed her with his charm, intelligence, ability to fix anything, and of course, his good looks. Charles supported Joyce and was always there to help her navigate through life’s challenges. A dedicated rescuer, it is certain that the first thing he did in heaven was to find the animals. He is looking down from above to say - "Forge ahead—make the best of life—and I’ll see you soon. We have work to do up here, too".
A Family and Friends gathering will be held in the main chapel at the Palms Woodlawn Funeral Home located at 27100 Old Dixie Hwy, Naranja, Fl. on Wednesday, September 19th 2018 from 6PM until 9PM.
Prayer service will commence at 7:30PM, the Reverend Ben Stillwell from the First United Methodist Church of Homestead will be officiating the service also in the main chapel.
Funeral Service will commence at 10am on Thursday, September 20th 2018 in the Main Chapel and conclude at the graveside.
The United States Army Honors Guard will present Military Honors at 10:30 at the grave site at the Palms Woodlawn Cemetery, Naranja, Florida.
Interment at 11am.
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