Cory Lee Wood, 40, of Roanoke, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. He was born on April 15, 1985, and grew up in
Vinton, Virginia, where he attended William Byrd High School. Cory was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Charlene Doyle Wolfe and John Paul Ferguson Jr., both of Vinton; and his paternal grandparents, Charlie and Polly Wood, also of Vinton.
Cory was a big sports fan who loved to golf and fish. He was rarely seen without repping one of his favorite teams - the Virginia Tech Hokies, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Penguins, or the Roanoke Railyard Dawgs. He had a passion for playing sports and "kickin' back" with friends, but his greatest joy in life came from spending time with his kids.
He cherished every moment with his children - making them laugh, acting goofy in only the way Cory could, dressing up for Halloween, spending days at the pool, playing Wii and PlayStation games, watching NASCAR races, and going camping. He was always there to support them at soccer games, cheer competitions, football games, and school events. His love for his kids was unconditional and evident to all who knew him.
Cory's larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable. Whether with family, friends, or co-workers, he was always ready with a joke, a laugh, or a prank. Even at work with Top Notch Custom, LLC, his humor and unique character shone through. Josh and Charlie witnessed firsthand Cory's dedication and skill as he completed vehicle wraps with pride and precision. He loved sharing photos of his work like a proud papa. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at Top Notch Custom for wrapping Cory's casket - a fitting tribute for someone who truly loved his job and the people he worked with.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Pam L. Ferguson of Roanoke; father, Danny L. Wood (Sandy) of Marietta, SC; sister, Kristin W. Carlisle and niece, Kinsley Carlisle of Blue Ridge; fiancée, Lauren St. Clair, and her daughter, Brooklyn Keller, of Vinton; his beloved children, Ambrielle and Jaden Wood, Roxy and Ryleigh Creech, Carter Wood, and Easton Wood.
He is also survived by his step-grandfather, Franklin L. Wolfe of Vinton; aunt, Martha A. McGeorge of Vinton; uncle, Tony Ferguson (Lisa) of Fincastle; aunt, Dreama Ferguson Howard (Jeff) of Elon, NC; and aunt, Judy Oliver of Vinton - along with many friends who loved him like family.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lotz Funeral Home in Vinton. A service will follow at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Brian Geiser. Interment will take place at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
Following the interment, all who knew and loved Cory are invited to a fellowship meal at 4:00 PM at Roanoke Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4120 Challenger Dr., Roanoke, VA 24012.