Donald Bruce "Woody" Wood, 76, passed away on December 24, 2025, in Bedford, Texas. Born on July 23, 1949, in Kearny, New Jersey, he lived a life marked by dedication—to his country, his career, and most of all, to his family.
Woody's early years in New Jersey laid the foundation for a life of service and hard work. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. As a linguistic officer and Russian translator stationed in Alaska and Texas during his military tenure, he was awarded seven medals of honor—testament to his skill and commitment.
After his military service, Don transitioned into civilian life with the same determination that had defined his time in uniform. He began as a mechanic and steadily advanced through roles as an automotive teacher and financial aide assistant before ultimately becoming a financial aid director. His professional journey reflected not only his technical expertise but also his ability to connect with people and guide them toward success.
Don/Woody was known for his sharp mind—he was a walking almanac who loved crosswords and could recall facts with uncanny precision. His passion for airplanes never waned, and he remained an avid enthusiast throughout his life. Coors Light anyone? (If you know, you know!). A loyal sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, and Dallas Stars. College football (any and all teams but most especially TCU— Go Frogs, right Big Al?) held a special place in his heart; however, when it came to the pros ... Cowboys—not so much.
He wrestled, and ran track in high school and college—passed on the sports prowess to his sons and some of his grandkids. Would stop everything when Toto's Africa came on. He cranked up the tunes and would sing and dance to all's delight and amusement; shared this love of music with his kids, grandkids. Hotel California, Liss and Stephania?!?!
Above all else, Don/dad/grandpa/Woody—whichever name you knew him by—he loved his family completely and unabashedly. He is survived by his devoted wife Jody Wood; daughter Denise McDonald and her husband Alan; sons Brian Wood, Cody Carroll, daughter-in-law Liss w/Ralph, and Dustin Wood. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Collin; Aaron w/wife Alyssa; Reed; and Zac McDonald w/Dee; Stephania Carroll; Eryss Wood; and great-grandson Jude McDonald. He also leaves behind his sister Gerri Poranski; lifelong best friend Paul Swider.
In addition to his immediate family, Don is also remembered by his brother-in-law Mark Carroll; his niece Kaitlin Carroll and her children, Kadenn and Jeslynn; family friends Ritta and Joaquin Rodriguez; and Christine Ghafer, all of whom held a meaningful place in his life.
He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Harper Wood and father Virgil Wood.
A final salute celebrating Don's military service was held in the wee hours on December 25, 2025, in Bedford, Texas by the staff at Texas Health H.E.B. The thoughtful tribute, given to all veterans, briefly soothed the loss of Don/dad/grandpa with a special flag presented to his widow.
The devoted grandfather of seven, honorary grandfather to several more, Don donated his body to UT Southwestern, a local teaching hospital, so that future physicians could learn from him and continue the fight against the devastating effects of cancer. Even in this final act, Don remained true to who he was—choosing to help others, to teach, and to give forward, just as he had throughout his life.
Don's memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him—as a veteran who served with honor, a professional who led with integrity, and a man whose love for family knew no bounds. May his memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in his remarkable journey.
To honor Don's memory, the family asks that you take a moment to care for yourself and schedule a checkup with your doctor.
Woody's early years in New Jersey laid the foundation for a life of service and hard work. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. As a linguistic officer and Russian translator stationed in Alaska and Texas during his military tenure, he was awarded seven medals of honor—testament to his skill and commitment.
After his military service, Don transitioned into civilian life with the same determination that had defined his time in uniform. He began as a mechanic and steadily advanced through roles as an automotive teacher and financial aide assistant before ultimately becoming a financial aid director. His professional journey reflected not only his technical expertise but also his ability to connect with people and guide them toward success.
Don/Woody was known for his sharp mind—he was a walking almanac who loved crosswords and could recall facts with uncanny precision. His passion for airplanes never waned, and he remained an avid enthusiast throughout his life. Coors Light anyone? (If you know, you know!). A loyal sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, and Dallas Stars. College football (any and all teams but most especially TCU— Go Frogs, right Big Al?) held a special place in his heart; however, when it came to the pros ... Cowboys—not so much.
He wrestled, and ran track in high school and college—passed on the sports prowess to his sons and some of his grandkids. Would stop everything when Toto's Africa came on. He cranked up the tunes and would sing and dance to all's delight and amusement; shared this love of music with his kids, grandkids. Hotel California, Liss and Stephania?!?!
Above all else, Don/dad/grandpa/Woody—whichever name you knew him by—he loved his family completely and unabashedly. He is survived by his devoted wife Jody Wood; daughter Denise McDonald and her husband Alan; sons Brian Wood, Cody Carroll, daughter-in-law Liss w/Ralph, and Dustin Wood. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Collin; Aaron w/wife Alyssa; Reed; and Zac McDonald w/Dee; Stephania Carroll; Eryss Wood; and great-grandson Jude McDonald. He also leaves behind his sister Gerri Poranski; lifelong best friend Paul Swider.
In addition to his immediate family, Don is also remembered by his brother-in-law Mark Carroll; his niece Kaitlin Carroll and her children, Kadenn and Jeslynn; family friends Ritta and Joaquin Rodriguez; and Christine Ghafer, all of whom held a meaningful place in his life.
He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Harper Wood and father Virgil Wood.
A final salute celebrating Don's military service was held in the wee hours on December 25, 2025, in Bedford, Texas by the staff at Texas Health H.E.B. The thoughtful tribute, given to all veterans, briefly soothed the loss of Don/dad/grandpa with a special flag presented to his widow.
The devoted grandfather of seven, honorary grandfather to several more, Don donated his body to UT Southwestern, a local teaching hospital, so that future physicians could learn from him and continue the fight against the devastating effects of cancer. Even in this final act, Don remained true to who he was—choosing to help others, to teach, and to give forward, just as he had throughout his life.
Don's memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him—as a veteran who served with honor, a professional who led with integrity, and a man whose love for family knew no bounds. May his memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in his remarkable journey.
To honor Don's memory, the family asks that you take a moment to care for yourself and schedule a checkup with your doctor.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Wood, please visit our flower store.
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