John "Jack" R. Wood

1952 - 2025

John “Jack” Raymond Wood, 72, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Thursday September 25, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Jack was born to Charles and Pearl Wood on December 29, 1952, in Camden, NJ. 

Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years, 2 of those years he was stationed in Germany. After being honorably discharged from the military he began a career back in the States as an air traffic controller, where he met the love of his life, Rhonda. They were passionately involved in advocating for better working conditions as part of Atlanta’s PATCO chapter. He also pursued a career as a truck driver and went on to compete in the American Association National Truck Driving Championships, representing Kroger and the state of Georgia. 

Jack’s love for the beach and ocean led the family to Pensacola and he looked for any opportunity to play in the sand and sun. His annual birthday tradition in December was to indulge in the polar plunge. He was an avid Volkswagen enthusiast, well known in the community for his convertible yellow Beetle and passion for tinkering with cars. Jack designed the logo for the Rare Air Emerald Coast Volkswagen Club and loved socializing at meetings and car shows. 

Faith was an important part of his life, and he was an active member of several churches over the years, including Olive Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, built friendships and shared his love for serving others.

Jack was a devoted father to his daughters, Sarah and Carole, and a proud grandfather to Haley and Annabelle. He will always be remembered for his dedication to his family and faith, his enduring spirit and commitment to hard work, and his big heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rhonda Wood; sisters, Linda Swarts and Irene Wood.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Sarah Flischel (Patrick), Carole Wood (Brion Rogers); granddaughters, Haley and Annabelle.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until Funeral Service begins at 11:00 am on Monday September 29, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Chaplain Ken Griffin officiating. A Graveside Service will be held 1:30pm Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Eastlawn Memorial Park, McDonough, GA.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the Lindsey family and also Theresa Baker and Christina Arner of the Veterans Administration.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer's Society.

 Donate to Alzheimer’s Disease Research