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On Saturday, June 10, 2017, the Rev. John Ralph Wood of Greenville, Mich., had his fondest wish come true: to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face.
He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family.
The Rev. Wood was many things to many people: a cherished husband, a loving father, an adoring (great-) grandfather, a trusted friend and a gifted pastor. His presence will be greatly missed on this side of eternity.
He was born on the south side of Chicago on Dec. 19, 1927, to Mr. and Mrs. John Walter and Lydia Wood. He lived a full 89 years filled with love, laughter (often times at his own jokes — and they were many!) and, most of all, a close walk with Jesus.
He graduated from Streater High School in 1945. After receiving his diploma, he followed his older brother’s footsteps and joined the Navy. He later attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, after which he became an ordained minister, a calling he lived out faithfully and passionately for 65 years.
It was also during this time where he met the love of his life and future wife of 67 years, Jean Mitchell. They were married in Cass City, Mich., in 1949 and had one son, Ronald Wood. In 1951, he was called to lead his first church in La Paz, Ind. In future years, he would pastor in various cities throughout Michigan and Ohio including Lapeer, Ecorse and Bellefontaine and Cass City, Mich.
He also served as the state representative for the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches. John served the Lord and his people faithfully in all venues. He eventually entered into retirement, but had a difficult time staying there. During his “retirement years” he served as interim pastor for different churches, assisting each in various capacities. He was a man of great faith, wisdom and integrity. He moved through the world with an eternal perspective, his eyes fixed on Jesus. He loved the Lord. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He served all of them well. To know John was to know his quick-witted personality and love for laughter. People simply adored his personality. He shared his many jokes generously and was gifted in conversation, particularly politics and religion. His light-hearted nature and genuine concern for others made him a fast friend to many.
He enjoyed travel, venturing into 48 states in the U.S. as well as visiting Israel, and spending time in nature. He could enjoy almost any situation with his wife, Jean, at his side. She was truly his pride and joy.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Walter and Lydia Wood; brother, Raymond; sisters, Marian and Ruth; and many dear friends.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Wood; son, Ronald (Melody) Wood; three grandchildren, Bradley (Ashley) Wood, Benjamin (Krista) Wood and Jennifer (Stephen) Wood Brackett; and four great-children, Bryce, Kaiya, Natalie and Crosby.
Though he will be greatly missed, none would wish to take him away from the joy he is now experiencing! Philippians 3:7-8.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Hurst Funeral Home, 1801 W. Washington St., Greenville, Mich. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 3687 N. Euclid Ave., Bay City, Mich., with military honors.
Interment is at the Novesta Township Cemetery in Cass City, Mich. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 12501 Montcalm Ave., Greenville, MI 48838., and Continental Baptist Missions, 11650 Northland Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341.
Memories and messages of condolence may be shared via www.hurstfh.com