Wood - John Albert Wood, age 77, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 8, 2025. He was born on October 24, 1947, in Jacksonville, Florida, where he spent his entire life surrounded by faith, family, and friends. John was the beloved son of the late Gene Oliver Wood and Dorothy Lucille "Dot" Wood. A lifelong resident of Jacksonville, John attended North Shore Elementary School, Kirby Smith Junior High School, and Andrew Jackson High School. It was during these early years that he met his future wife and lifelong companion, Roberta Simpson, with whom he shared a loving marriage of 57 years. Their love story began as childhood neighbors living on West 41st and 42nd Streets and grew into a beautiful partnership grounded in faith, family, and devotion. Following high school, John proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he exemplified honor, dedication, and service. After completing his military service, John went on to dedicate many years to The City of Jacksonville's Parks and Recreation Department and a truck driver by trade. He was deeply respected for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and integrity. Outside of work, John was a man of deep faith who loved worshipping and praising the Lord. He cherished his time at Calvary Temple Assembly of God, where he and Roberta found great joy in fellowship and worship. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, John's greatest joy came from spending time with his family. His kindness, humor, and steadfast love touched all who knew him. John is preceded in death by his parents, Gene Oliver Wood and Dorothy Lucille Wood; and beloved wife, Roberta Simpson Wood.
John is survived by his three daughters, Michele Wood Leonard, Angela Lynn Wood, and Barbara Rene' Kaleel (Ralph Jackson); nephews, Gene "Woody" Wood and John "JJ" Wood; eight grandchildren, Ashley Bodden (John Michael), TJ Leonard (Jordan), Johnny Study (Natalie), Trey Hall (Oriana), Jessica Bennett (Tristan), Dustin Study (Harley), Cuylor Hall, and Maleah Hall; and twelve great-grandchildren, Layla, Jazmin, Calvin, Calli, Jayden, Ava, Greysen, Lakelynn, Mariana, Sutton, Weston, and Carson; and numerous extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
John's faith and love for his family will remain an enduring legacy to all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, there is peace in knowing he is reunited in Heaven with his beloved Roberta, dancing once again in the presence of their Lord.
The tribute above was prepared by John's loving family.
A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Bay Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, where military honors will be rendered and John will be laid to rest next to his wife, Roberta. Arrangements are under the care and direction of CEDAR BAY FUNERAL HOME, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218. (904) 714-1110.
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