Wendell R. "Woody" Wood

Wendell R. "Woody" Wood of Caro, age 82, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at McLaren - Bay Region in Bay City, following a period of declining health. Woody was born March 27, 1938 in Battle Creek, the son of the late Robert & Bertina (Vale) Wood. He graduated from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek with the class of 1956 and continued his studies at Hillsdale College. While at Hillsdale, Woody majored in psychology and journalism, was president of his fraternity, played for the school's baseball team, and was sports editor for the Hillsdale Collegian, Michigan's oldest college newspaper. He graduated Valedictorian of his class, and shortly after, was united in marriage with the former Barbara Brewer on August 13, 1960 in Battle Creek. The couple moved to Escanaba for several years where Woody began a career in social work. He later attended Michigan State University's social work program, graduating in 1964 with a master's degree. Woody was hired almost immediately by Floyd Echols to put that education into practice at the Caro Regional Center, a position he held until 1989. He then transferred to Community Mental Health in Caro for the subsequent decade, retiring in 1999. Woody's personality was larger than life, and no one was a stranger for long. He was a passionate family man, always certain to be present at any event that involved his children or grandchildren. He was an Elder of the Caro First Presbyterian Church and active with United Way. Always active, Woody enjoyed playing softball, bowling, table tennis, bridge, and was an accomplished water skier in his earlier years. Spare time was also spent rooting for his favorite sports teams like the Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan Wolverines. When frustrated by how the game was going, he'd relieve stress by tending to his garden or chopping wood. Woody was an avid Elvis Presley fan and exemplified a life led "My Way." Left to cherish his memory are three daughters and their spouses, Wendy & Mark Bales of Caro, Julie & Duke Barrows of Columbia, Missouri, Sherry Wood of Caro; five grandchildren and their spouses, Riann & Mark Kyser of Texas, Amanda & Michael McGee of Texas, Kaitlyn & Caleb Licavoli of Kansas, Jackie Barrows of Missouri, and Cody & Kalen Barrows of Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Mason, and Macklin McGee; one sister, Stevie Walker of Battle Creek; many nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his parents, Woody was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, on October 5, 2016; and two brothers, Ken Wood and John Hopper. Private family services will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. Burial will follow at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro. Friends and extended family are invited to attend the event virtually by contacting the Ransford Collon Funeral Home at 989-673-2175 for login instructions. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association. Service Information Private family services will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. Friends and extended family are invited to attend the event virtually by contacting the Ransford Collon Funeral Home at 989-673-2175 for login instructions. Cemetery Information Burial will follow at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro.