Richard Carl Wood

Richard was born in Lansing on September 11, 1938 to parents Carl and Gladys Wood. He attended Eastern High School. Following graduation from high school Richard was employed by General Motors and worked in the model shop as a pattern maker. From there he started his career in the construction industry as a union carpenter. He quickly moved up to a management position where he was able to attend Dale Carnegie classes. Soon after he worked in various organizations starting his path to founding and starting his own business RCW General Contractors, Inc., in Williamston, MI.

Prior to starting his business he married the love of his life Barbara Jane in Howell, MI on December 31,1981.

Richard enjoyed many hobbies. In his early days he raced go-carts, snowmobiles, and dirt bikes. Later on, heading into retirement, he enjoyed playing golf at noon every day with the guys at Wheatfield Valley and Highland Hills. He also enjoyed working on and fixing anything with an engine. Richard restored and built many award-winning vehicles including his V8 trike, 1934 Ford truck, and his 1955 Chevy Belaire two-door.

Woody built his business and his relationships on his trustworthiness, hard-work ethic, honesty, reliability, congeniality, loyalty, and willingness to help.

Richard is survived by his wife of 42 years Barbara Wood; his sons Richard (Pamela) Wood Jr. and Brandon Wood; brothers Victor (Terri Lynn) Wood, Terry Wood and Dale (Wendy) Cantwell. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Gladys Wood; sister Audrey Mitchell; son Curtis Wood; and daughter Bethany Murphy.

A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 at 11:00am with a visitation one hour prior at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven House and TWIGS.

For Haven House donations, please visit the website at https://havenhouseel.org, donate by mail or phone. Your check payable to Haven House may be mailed to: Haven House, PO Box 961, East Lansing, MI 48826-0961. To make a donation by phone, please call (517) 337-2731.

For TWIGS donations, please visit the website at www.twigsinc.org, or mail a check made out to TWIGS, 4025 Holt Rd Suite 220, Holt MI 48842.

“A Wonderful Man”