Rock Paul Wood, 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Nov. 1, 2019 in Hayes.

Son of the late Robert Lee Wood and Georgia Marie Wood, Rock was born April 1, 1933 in Douglas, Arizona. As a teenager, he loved horses and worked as stable boy and groomer at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park racetracks along with his brother, Junior, until the age of 17 when he joined the Air Force. During his 20 years of service, he traveled the world as an aircraft loadmaster and served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was awarded numerous air medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He met Frances Kervin, his sweetheart and love of his life, in Mobile, Alabama, in 1957. They were married in 1958 and remained in love and dedicated to each other until her death in 2016.

The couple retired from the Air Force and returned to Mobile in 1971 where they raised three children. Rock continued working for the U.S. Postal Service for 15 years. He was an avid reader, loved animals, music, movies, photography and, most of all, family.

Rock and Frances moved to Hayes in 2006 to live with their son, Robert “Bob” Wood, and his wife, Pam.

Rock was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived by his brother, Junior, and his sisters, Peggy, Betty, Robin, and Patty. He also leaves behind his three children, Laurie Wright and husband Chris, Robert “Bob” Wood and wife Pam, and Terry Wood. He has five grandchildren, Sarah Wright, Sally Burchett, Molly Wright, Amy Wood, and Robert “Bobby” Wood, and four great-grandchildren, Ethan, his namesake Ezra “Rock,” Zayd, Anna, and one more on the way. He also leaves behind his devoted caregiver and dear friend, Suzanna Shackelford. 

We are heartbroken, but are comforted to know that he is no longer in pain and has reunited with his sweetheart in Heaven.

A service officiated by Father Gregory was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at the Church of St. Therese in Gloucester. Inurnment is planned for Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.