Donald Gray Wood

Donald Gray “Don” Wood passed on to Glory in the early morning hours of September 18 at home with his wife by his side. 

He was born in Lee County on November 8, 1947 the oldest child of the late Jessie Raymond Wood and Cleo Marion Wood. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister Nora Wood Wallace. 

Don worked for 35 years for the NC Department of Correction rising from the rank of Correctional Officer to Prison Warden, dedicating his life to public service. He was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2007. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his precious grandchildren, traveling with his wife and working in his yard. 

Don was a member of Cool Springs Baptist Church and loved his church family and they in turn showered him with love. Even when his health began to fail, he wanted to be in church as often as possible. He also had a great love for the congregation and neighbors at Carbonton Community Church. 

Don is survived by his wife Melanie Mashburn Wood, children Ray Wood (Ashley), Justin Creed (Jaclyn), and Meredith Hurley (Brad) as well as five wonderful grandchildren - Eva, James, Maddison, Liam and Colin. He is also survived by his brother Carl (Sherry). 

Visitation will be at Cool Springs Baptist Church on Sunday, September 22 at 2:00 followed by a celebration of life service at 3:00. A private burial will be held at a later date. Visits to the family home are also welcome. 

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and all the home dialysis staff at the Fresenius Dialysis Care - Sanford for the loving support and care shown to Don while he was their patient.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org) or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.breakthrough1d.org).