Jarrel Eric Wood Sr.

Jarrel Eric “Woody” Wood, Sr., age 76, a resident of Mansfield, Texas, entered into eternal life peacefully at home on October 7, 2024. As a dependent of the military, he was born March 22, 1948, at the U.S. Naval Air Station Dispensary in Seattle, Washington. After graduating from Nathan B. Forrest High School, in Jacksonville, Florida, he attended South Georgia State College. He soon enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 7, 1967, where he earned his nickname “Woody”. Woody served honorably in Vietnam for six years earning rank of Staff Sergeant. His commendations include the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the National Defense Medal.

After an Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force in 1974, Woody settled in Wichita Falls, Texas where he started his career in the automobile sales industry and had his oldest son, Eric. Woody later moved to Fort Worth, Texas where he became a true legend in the auto sales industry and met his wife, Marilyn. Woody was admired by all in the auto sales world and retired from the Alliance Auto Auction-Dallas in 2024.

While most everyone called him “Woody”, his dearest family called him “Papa”. He was Papa to ten loving grandchildren and two amazing great grandchildren all of whom he admired very much. Papa had nicknames for them all and his boisterous voice filled the room when they came to see him. Papa spent the rest of his years living in Mansfield, Texas with his wife and favorite yorkie, Bella.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents, Jarrell and Helena Wood; his brother, Brian Wood; and his brother-in-law Russell Kennedy.

Survivors include Marilyn Wood, his loving wife of 26 years; sister, Lisa Kennedy; oldest son, Jarrel Eric Wood, II and wife Celena Wood; daughter Heather Hardegree and husband Gabe Hardegree; daughter Tasha Lane and husband Jason Lane; youngest son Justin Bosworth and wife Ashley Bosworth; mother to oldest son’s children Crissy Orona and husband Dan Orona III; niece Megan Copello; and nephew Justin Wood.

Grandchildren - - Abbey Hardegree, Cheyenne Bear, Sierra Wood, Ashton Streib, Ashlyn Hardegree, Andrew Streib, Grace Streib, Jacob Hardegree, Hudson Bosworth, and Rosella Bosworth.

Great grandchildren - - Willow Hernandez and Weston Haynes

 Precious pet - - Bella.

Many thanks to the nurses and staff of New Century Hospice for excellent care and supportive help to the family during the end of his life.