John Randolph Wood
John Randolph Wood
October 14, 1926 - August 24, 2023
John passed away peacefully at Martha Jefferson Hospital after a fall resulting in a fractured hip on August 12, 2023. His wife, Jean Armistead Wood, was by his side at their home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
John was born on October 14, 1926, to the late Bernard Andrew Wood, Sr. and Bessie Jones Wood in Charlottesville, Va.
After graduation from Lane High School, Charlottesville, Va., John was appointed by the Department of the Navy for military service. John enlisted in the Navy on July 19, 1946, and served during WW II until December 28, 1951. He was then called back on active service on January 5, 1952, and served in the Korean War until July 18, 1954, thus, having served for a total of over nine years in the Navy as a PFC Postal Carrier in the Caribbean for both tours.
After leaving the military, John returned to Charlottesville, and joined the US Postal Service where he spent his career as a clerk and rural mail carrier until retirement. Not wanting to retire he worked for his first wife, Mary, who owned “The Mary-Peg Dress Shop” as office manager. John owned and operated the “Merchant Delivery Service” for local retail merchants.
Being a long-time member of First Baptist Church led him to enjoy working in and around the church including ministering in the soup kitchen.
John was loyal to the Yankees and the UVA Baseball Teams. Golf was his personal sport of choice. John loved playing golf on a weekly basis with his buddies. Additionally, he was a superb bridge player with close friends. He was also a member of the American Legion for 48 years as well as the Kiwanis Club. He headed up the Kiwanis Christmas tree sales for years.
John married Jean Armistead Young on May 4, 1991. During their marriage, they spent lots of special time at the Outer Banks in North Carolina with dear friends. John and Jean hosted many fun parties at the farm at Dover-Foxcroft, including The Wood Family Reunion each summer until 2020.
John is survived by his wife, Jean; two daughters, Jennifer Wood Nash and Piper Wood Houchens; three granddaughters, Christinia Mitchell (Andrew), Jamie Nash, and Ginger Houchens; one grandson, Mike Houchens; and many great grandchildren. John is also survived by his beloved brother Paul Wood (Diane).
John was preceded in death by his siblings Bernard "Dick" Wood, Jr., Dot Copeland, and Nancy Hasher Florence.
The family would like to acknowledge the total dedication of Dennis York to John's loving care. Also, we would like to thank the Martha Jefferson Hospital staff of Cornell 2, Palliative Care Team and Hospice of The Piedmont.
Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville, Va.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2023, at Dover-Foxcroft Farm on Spring Hill Road in Ruckersville, Va., with the Rev. Dr. Joel Jenkins officiating. Directions will be available at Hill and Wood.
Contributions may be made to an organization of your choice.
Condolences may be left for the family on the Tribute Wall.
