Clifford R. Wood Jr.

1934 - 2023

Clifford R. Wood Jr.
Clifford R Wood Jr went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the age of 89 years. He was born May 2, 1934 in Waterford Township, MI, the youngest of 5 children of Clifford R Wood Sr and Beatrice (Christie) Wood. He is survived by his wife Cecile Wood of Sebring, FL, daughter Laura Bailey of Midland, MI, son, Michael (Tricia) Wood of Brownsburg, IN, and stepson Thomas (Lisa) Turner of Ft Myers, FL. In addition, Cliff was so very blessed by his grandchildren who were the light of his life, Bradley (Alyssa Crawford) Bailey of Katy, TX, Alexander Bailey of Lansing, MI, Ryan Bailey of Midland, MI, Marah Wood of Evansville, IN, Zachary Wood of Brownsburg, IN, and Analia Turner and Camden Turner of Ft Myers, FL. Also surviving is his sister Patricia Wood of Midland, MI and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Cliff was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lois (Hammar) Wood, and first-born son Stephen Wood as well as his sisters Audrey Porter, Ruth Harrington and her husband Jack Harrington, brother Harold Wood, and sister-in-law Therese Wahlstrom and her husband Carl (Dave) Wahlstrom.
Cliff attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL earning a BA in Biology and was named the football team's MVP his senior year. Upon graduation he served his country proudly in the US Navy mustering out as a lieutenant in 1959. Then started a rewarding and successful career with The Dow Chemical Company where Cliff worked with passion and dedication from 1959-1992. Upon retirement from Dow, Cliff started his own marketing research and consulting firm, Wood Research, Inc. and served as a marketing consultant for Omnitech International.
Cliff had many passions in life. He was a true friend and trusted confidante to many. A truly authentic and genuine man. He was an avid golfer for more than 70 years. In retirement he pursued his dream of becoming a private pilot and aircraft owner which gave him great enjoyment. He loved music and on Sunday mornings you could find him singing bass in the Church choir. He loved to travel and did so extensively both nationally and globally. One of his most meaningful trips was to visit relatives in Norway and see the family ancestral homestead.
Some of our fondest memories as a family are of time spent at the family cabin on the northeast shore of Torch Lake. Moments spent stargazing around the fire pit and touring the beautiful turquoise waters with Cliff behind the wheel of his Larson boat will live on in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday May 11, 2024 at Midland Free Methodist Church, 5821 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with family visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The family asks that any memorial contributions be directed to Augustana College, Office of Advancement, Clifford R and Lois M Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201-2296.