Dr. Stephen Duane Wood

1963 - 2025

Dr. Stephen Duane Wood, 61, of Blue Ridge, Ga., passed away at his home Monday, April 28, 2025.
Born Sept. 30, 1963, in Gainesville, Ga., he was the son of J.C. Wood and Betty Jean Waters Wood. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Mineral Bluff, Ga.
Stephen's lifelong passion for education shaped both his career and his legacy. He earned his Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Wood served as chief academic officer and vice president of teaching and learning at Tri-County Community College. He was a dedicated educational leader who had served Tri-County Community College since 1989 – an extraordinary nearly 36-year commitment to the institution, and he was approaching his well-deserved retirement after a distinguished career in higher education. His contributions to academic excellence and student success will leave an indelible mark on Tri-County Community College for years to come.
Beyond his professional life, he was an avid sports fan who took great joy in cheering on the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Falcons.
He had a deep love for literature in all forms, from the works of Shakespeare to comic books, and could often be found immersed in a good story.
He was preceded in death by his father, J.C. Wood; grandparents, Lawrence and Isabell Waters; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lawrence and Margaret Davis.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, whom he wed on Valentine's Day of 1987, Patsy Davis Wood of Blue Ridge, Ga.; mother, Betty Wood of Blue Ridge, Ga.; children, Dr. Allison Wood Griffin (David) of Birmingham, Ala., and Nathaniel Wood of Athens, Ga.; grandchild, expected baby Nora Griffin; sister, Sharon Ware (Chuck) of Canton, Ga.; nieces, Loren St. Pierre (Landen) of Ballground, Ga., and Erin Dewane (Joey) of Fountain Inn, S.C.; many Davis family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews; and other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with the Rev. Paul Adams officiating. Eulogies were provided by Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers (Tri-County Community College), and children, Dr. Allison Wood Griffin and Nathaniel Wood. Music was provided by Jeff Woods and Chris Woods. Interment followed in Chastain Memorial Park in Blue Ridge, Ga., with the following serving as pallbearers: Landen St. Pierre, Joey Dewane, Ron Chastain, Jeff Walker, Roger Higdon, Greg McHan, Mike Beaver and Mike Fleeman. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Sir John Davis, Windell Davis, Randall Davis, Larry Waters, Chuck Ware, Richard Wood and Michael Waters.
The family visited with friends at the funeral home on Friday evening, May 2, from 5-9 p.m. and on Saturday afternoon, May 3, from noon-1:45 p.m.
Memorial contributions in honor of Dr. Wood may be made to the Dr. Stephen Wood Scholarship Memorial Fund at United Community Bank. Donations can be made at the bank or collected at the funeral home during visitation hours.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at akinscobb.com.
Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, Ga., was in charge of these arrangements.