George William “Bill” Wood Jr

George William “Bill” Wood Jr., 81, former resident of Brighton, passed away Tuesday afternoon at Abernathy Laurels Nursing Home in Newton, North Carolina after a courageous battle with cancer. He just recently went to live with his son Jerry who was at his bedside when he passed away peacefully. He was born in Alton on August 29, 1932, the son of the late George “Ed” and Jewell (Stone) Wood. He enlisted in the Marine Reserve in 1949 at the age of 17. He graduated from Alton Senior High in 1950. After graduation, he was called to active duty. He took basic training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and then sent to Camp Pendleton, California. He was a rifle range coach and M.P. and was discharged as a Corporal in 1952. He worked for Canteen Vending Company. He retired in 1998 after 35 years of service. He married the former JoAnne Slocumb on December 2, 1961 and she preceded him in death on October 12, 1995. He was a former De Molay and a 50 year member and past Master of Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 25 and a certified Grand Lecture of Illinois. He loved his family and friends and his little dog Pepe’. He was an avid fan of St. Louis Cardinals and Duke Basketball team. He was so proud of his grandchildren, Trenton and Avery. He loved to watch Trenton pitch for his baseball team and Avery play her tennis matches. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Gerald “Jerry” and Rebecca (Edwards) Wood of Denver, North Carolina. A grandson, Trenton Wood, and a granddaughter, Avery Jo Wood both of Denver, North Carolina. A step-daughter and son-in-law, Dianna and Ross Rankin of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A step-grandson, Scott Weaver of North Carolina and a step great-grandson, Jack Weaver of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Richard Slimick of Alton. A great niece, Ashleigh Hawkins of Alabama, a cousin, Rita Wood-Johnson of Wentzville, MO, an aunt, Esther Rodgers of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Also surviving is his best friend who was like a brother, Don Crane and his wife Linda of Godfrey. Special neighbors, Don and Nancy Loudermilk and Melinda Fessler all of Brighton, and special friends, Jim and Pam Edwards of Denver, North Carolina. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dolores K. Wood, his only niece, Kathy Slimick Hawkins, father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Berniece Slocumb and a brother-in-law, Charles Slocumb. Visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton with Masonic Services at 5:50 p.m. given by the Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 25. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2013 at Gent Funeral Home. Reverend Andre’ Dobson will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to the Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 25, All Hands on Deck, or to the donation box provided at the funeral home for the Marine Toys for Tots. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home