Ernest Merton Wood III

5/15/1940 – 6/12/2026

Ernest “Chip” Merton Wood III, 86, of Wilmington, NC, passed away there on June 12. Born on January 13, 1940, in Lynchburg, VA, he was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and leader.

Growing up in Lynchburg, Chip attended Virginia Episcopal School (Class of 1958) and later Hampden-Sydney College. He served honorably in the United States Air Force before earning his degree in accounting from Old Dominion University. Chip became a fixture in Lynchburg’s professional community as a Certified Public Accountant and served the city for many years as a member of the Business Development Committee. He was a partner at Brockman, Drinkard & Pennington and retired from the firm in 2002.

Beyond his professional life, Chip was deeply committed to his church and the Lynchburg community. He served on the vestry and volunteered in many roles at St. John’s Episcopal Church. He coached the Paul Monroe Raiders youth football team and was an active member of the Rotary Club.

Above all, Chip was a devoted family man. He never missed an opportunity to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s many activities. The joyful cries of “Poppy!” when his grandchildren saw him brought a smile to his face even once they were grown. His steady presence and quiet leadership forever shaped the lives of those who loved him.

Chip was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Jane Martin Wood; his father, Ernest Merton Wood Jr.; and his mother, Elizabeth “Jackie” Bond Wood.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Wood Pearce (Robert) of Yulee, FL; his son, Ernest Merton Wood IV (Donna) of Nashville, NC; and his grandchildren Ann Wood of Wilmington, NC; Lara Wood of Boone, NC; Blake Pearce of Fredericksburg, VA; and Abbie Pearce of Alexandria, VA. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth “Lisa” Wood Hancock of Lynchburg, VA, and Katherine “Katie” Wood Clark (Richard) of Winchester, VA; many nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Mary Dalton of Port St. Lucie, FL.

A service of interment will be held at the Columbarium at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, VA, on July 9 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.

Chip’s family expresses their deep gratitude for the kindness and support offered during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Episcopal School (400 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA) or the Gastric Cancer Foundation (www.gastriccancer.org).