Kermit "Poppy" Wood

On Sunday August 10, 2025 the world grew a little quieter
-and much less funny-as Kermit "Poppy" Wood age 78 of State Road NC, bid us farewell after a life richly lived and generously shared. Heaven gained one amazing man and our community lost one of its brightest lights. Kermit was the kind of man who could fix a leaky faucet or help mend a broken heart and was a friend to all. He was known far and wide as a devoted husband, proud dad, doting "Poppy," and champion fixer-of-everything. He loved to piddle in his work shop and gave away most of his treasured works of art. There is no telling how many sets of wind chimes, bird houses and barns he made and gave away over the years. Kermit built a life held together by love, generosity, and a world-class sense of humor. He passed away surrounded by love and laughter and maybe one final joke that he was so well known for.
In his later years when health challenges tried to dim his sparkle, Kermit met them head on with quiet strength and a mischievous grin. He never complained. He never wallowed. He just kept assuring us, "I'm OK" even when we all knew he wasn't and that became his trademark phrase. It was equal parts courage, comedy, and a constant reminder of his instinct to protect his loved ones with laughter. It was always delivered with the same twinkle in his eye that said "No need to worry about me, I've got this!".
Kermit was born November 30, 1946 in Alleghany County, the son of the late Ernest and Ruth Miles Wood. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by an infant daughter Tammy Renee Wood, a sister Reba Hamm, brother Richard Spurlin and brother in law Gwyn Wooten. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, loving and devoted wife of 59 years Louise. His daughter and son in law, Frankie and Brent Southard of Elkin, NC. A son and daughter in law Brad and Darlene Wood of Advance, NC. The grandchildren and great grands absolutely lit up his world and will forever carry on his hilarious stories, never ending spirit and gentle guidance. Alyssa "Pee-Wee" and Dylan Surratt of Elkin, NC, Claudia Wood "Fat Jaws" and Matt King of Siler City, NC, Allie "Tater" Wood of Advance,NC, Matthew and Michelle Mills of Mocksville, NC and Jonathan Brande of High Point, NC, great grandchildren; Kashus "Ralph" King, Jaxton "Buford"Surratt, Rowen "Roro" Surratt, Ruthie "SissyPoo" Surratt, Brooklyn "BB" Mills, Isaiah "Little Man" Mills as well as one due in November, a brother Allen Wood of Sparta, NC, three sisters Eva Wooten of Sparta NC, Mary and Dennis Joines of Sparta NC, Ella Mae and Danny Finney of Sparta NC a sister in law Glenda Spurlin of Danielsville GA, special niece and nephews,several dear cousins and a special uncle Bruce Wood of Sparta, NC.
Throughout Kermit's final chapter with illness he was surrounded by an extraordinary circle of love. Family and friends rallied around him and offered encouragement, love, laughter and amazing support. The family feels so blessed to have received such wonderful support it was so comforting and a tribute to the kind of person Kermit was. Someone who gave so much of himself and earned the kind of love that never waivers.
Though we now find ourselves with a massive hole in our hearts and lives, we find comfort in knowing Poppy is in a better place and no longer suffering. We also find comfort in all the wonderful memories he left us : Sunday dinners, tall tales, piddling with him and those magical moments where one of his famous jokes would leave everyone doubled over. We will miss him fiercely, love him endlessly and honor him always.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. A graveside service to honor Kermit's life will follow at 3:00 PM at Liberty Knob Regular Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by Don Hayes and Randy Parish.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home or the Liberty Knob Regular Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Johnson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wood family during this time. Online condolences may be made at www.johnson-funeral.com