Fred L. Wood, 77 of McLeansboro, IL died peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.
He was born July 29, 1945 in Aransas Pass, TX to Melvin and Pauline (Oliver) Wood. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, 1967-1970, serving 2 tours in Vietnam. He married the love of his life, Patti Byerley Wood, in 1973. Together, they raised 5 children and enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Fred held several jobs over the years as a pipe fitter, coal miner, and a truck driver. He enjoyed fishing, houseboating, woodworking, and riding his Harley.
Fred is survived by wife Patti, of McLeansboro, son Fred Wood, Jr. of Aransas Pass, TX, daughter Sherry (John) Dooley of Camden, AR, her 4 children: Ashley, Roxanna, Krista, & Chelsea, daughter Dortha (Dale) Boatright of Anna, IL, her 4 children: Kyle, Olivia, Sylvia, & Grace, daughter Betty (Bob) Akins of McLeansboro and children Dylan (Michaela) Cottonaro, Brandon Cottonaro, Dalton & Hannah Akins, 19 great grandchildren with one due in January. Fred is also survived by siblings Dewayne Lee (Sue) Wood, Janice Elmore, John Lee, “Terry” (Melody) Lee, and Robin (Donald) Griffith all of Texas. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather O.C. Lee, son David Roger Wood, siblings James M. Lee, Everett “Corky” Wood, Jerry M. Lee, one grandchild and 3 great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Fred Wood will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at the Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren with Pastor Andy May officiating. Private family visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with public visitation being held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the Gholson Funeral Home in Dahlgren. Interment will follow the funeral services at Pleasant Grove Cemetery near McLeansboro with Military Honors performed by the Marion, IL National Guard Honors Team and the McLeansboro American Legion Post #106.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SSM Hospice.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com