Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday at All Saints Episcopal Church. Burial: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Funeral Home.

Memorials: in lieu of flowers, the Salvation Army, 1855 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76103.

Dr. Billy Gene Wood was a graduate of Baylor University and Baylor College of Dentistry and earned his M.S.D. in orthodontics from Northwestern University in Chicago.

A veteran of World War II, Dr. Wood was commissioned a Navy ensign and fighter pilot at age 17. He served on the USS Wasp, USS Lexington and the USS Franklin. He was a graduate of the Air War College and National War College. He was awarded the General Jimmy Doolittle Fellow along with the Navy Cross, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He flew F6F-3 Hellcats and he saw action in the Battle of Leyte Gulf invasion of the Philippines and Tarawa. He served as an orthodontic consultant at Carswell Air Force Base for 34 years.

During his life he received many honors including the Distinguished Alumnus by Baylor Dental Alumni Association. He served as secretary of the Baylor College of Dentistry Century Club, past president of the Fort Worth District Dental Society and past chairman of the Westside Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. He founded the Fort Worth Civic Leaders Association in 1976 and instituted the first Fort Worth Military Ball in 1979. He received the Department of Defense Exceptional Service Award presented by Secretary of Defense Weinberger and won Fort Worth District Dental Society's Veteran Honor Award.

Dr. Wood had been a Sunday school teacher, chairman of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Parker County Sheriff's Posse, past president of Weatherford Noon Lions Club, founder and president of the Chisholm Trail Days and chairman of the Weatherford Peach Festival.

Dr. Wood was a fellow in the American College of Dentists and also a fellow in the International College of Dentists. He was a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Texas Dental Association, Fort Worth District Dental Society, Texas Tweed Society, the Southwestern Society of Orthodontics, the Texas Association of Orthodontics and the Tarrant County Society of Orthodontists.

Survivors: Wife of 49 years, Carol Hall Wood; son, William Millard Wood; daughter, Susan Wood Torpy and husband, Art Torpy; son, Steven Charles Wood and wife, Stacey McKay Wood; and grandchildren, Wil and Abby Torpy and Reilly, Zöe and Amy Wood.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy Wood

18 Entries

John Hancock

March 12, 2005

Dr. Wood was my orthodontist while I was in high school in the early 70s. He was always very caring and compassionate. What I didn't know at the time was how outstanding his orthodontic work was as I have not had a problem since. I also was not aware of his remarkable military record, personal accomplishments, and community contributions. I wish I could have thanked him. We lost a great American. My condolences go to his family.

MB Williams

March 10, 2005

Dr Wood fitted me with braces over 40 yrs. ago. To a scared little girl and her single Mom Dr.Wood was always patient,gentle and kind. Thru the yrs I have carried his excelent xrays and doctors notes to every Denist I have had. Thank-you Dr.Wood for your care in my younger years.

Carol Biser Barlow

March 10, 2005

I believe I was one of Dr. Wood's first orthodontic patients. I came to him as a 7th grader with extreme buck teeth and left his care 7 years later with a beautiful smile that has stayed intact through the years. I remember how he would proudly hold my original impressions next to my mouth and show his colleagues the difference. Little did I know he had accomplished so much and had so many interests. I only knew him as a kind doctor who gave me something to smile about the rest of my life. I share the sorrow of his family who certainly will miss him greatly. May God comfort and hold you in His love and the memories of Dr. Wood's life of service.

JOHN COATS

March 9, 2005

GENE WAS A GREAT AMERICAN AND A GREAT PERSON. I ENJOYED BEING HIS RANCH MANAGER AT BUNKER HILL RANCH.GENE AND I SHARED SOME TREASURED TIMES AT THE RANCH TALKING ABOUT OLD TIMES. GENE WILL BE MISSED.

Robert C. Penny DDS

March 9, 2005

I was so saddened to hear about your loss. Gene was a remarkable man whose spirit touched the lives of so many in our community. He will be missed. I trust that your grief will soon be overcome with many wonderful memories and with the joy and peace that comes from our Lord. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Respectfully,

Dede Corpening

March 9, 2005

Gene, you will misssed as a Retired Life Member of the Fort Worth District Dental Society. We will miss you at our regular dental meetings. Sympanthy goes to your family.

Liz Lucas

March 9, 2005

Gene, you were a friend until the end. Your new love of your dog training and shows was a wonderful, fun, retirement "trip" for you. You were always busy, busy so this was really entertainment for you. You will be missed. Love to Carol, Steve, Susan and Bill.

Michael Shyne

March 9, 2005

Gene was one of the first friends I met when I joined DOCA in 1994. We were on a trip to Brazil. That was just one of many trips we made together around the world. Every trip gave me an opportunity to learn more about Gene, his difficult childhood, the War years and his history-making accomplishment, his committment to his education, the remarkable donation of dental services to the Air Force, his total committment to the kids, his patients, and so many more details of a remarkable life. I miss Gene. I will miss him more during the next international DOCA trip. Gene is the only person I have known in my 55 years, who I call a hero. I will always remember you, Gene. Thanks. Michael Shyne

Andrea Beach

March 9, 2005

With deepest sympathy for your loss. I really enjoyed helping Dr. Wood and his wife at Frost Bank in Ridglea. I loved hearing about the shows that he competed in and all the accomplishments he achieved. He will be missed dearly. He was a very nice customer to deal with.

Cathy White

March 9, 2005

Heartfelt condolances Steve. My husband being three years younger just missed WW2. We appreciate your Fathers patriotism. Our church is All Saints Episcopal Church in Weatherford.

Janice Galindo

March 9, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs.Carol Wood and Family. We lost a very dear person.

Debby Quigley

March 9, 2005

Gene was a wonderful friend. He was always there to lend an ear and give support. I will miss our visits and dinners out and his great stories.

John Stahr

March 8, 2005

Gene was a true patriot and staunch supporter of our country and its armed forces. He will be sorely missed by his many friends in the Defense Orientation Conference Association. Our trips will not be the same without him. John Stahr

Gene Kouri

March 8, 2005

My heartfelt condolences to Carol and the family. I know he will be missed and I always considered him a very good friend.

Sue Kelso

March 8, 2005

Heartfelt Condolences to Carol and family. Gene's presence in the ring and at the shows will be missed.

Susie Wagoner

March 8, 2005

I met Gene only 7 years ago and felt I made a friend for life. My heartfelt condolences to his sweet, precious wife. He loved to tell his story how he met his wife Carol. Each time, as he would finish, there would always be tears of emotion. I will miss you Gene, my friend.

Jack Martin D.D.S.

March 8, 2005

Good bye to a friend and contemporary in Ft. Worth dentistry

Sheryl Archer

March 8, 2005

I met Gene while enjoying our favorite hobby,training and showing our dogs.He was a kind man,a joy to be around.I could listen to his stories for hours. I felt it a privelege to call him my friend.He will be sorely missed.My prayers are with Carol and her family. May god comfort you.

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