Paul Willis Wood

Paul Willis Wood Jr., age 97, passed away on October 20, 2025, in Granbury, Texas. He was born on July 30, 1928, in Deport, Texas, to Ruby (Cheshire) Wood and Paul W. Wood, Sr.
He believed in the goodness of people, the love of his family, God, country, and the Texas Aggies: not necessarily in that order.
As a young man he became interested in airplanes when a barnstormer landed near his hometown. This encounter and a visit to Texas A&M College began his lifelong career path. Paul graduated from Texas A&M in Dec. 1949 with a B.S in Aeronautical Engineering and was commissioned into the United States Air Force. He flew 100 missions in the Korean War, was decorated for valor (Distinguished Flying Cross), and honorably discharged in 1953.
On Dec. 27, 1951, while on leave, he married Alice Ann Evans of Paris, Texas and later adopted her son Robert Eric. In 1953, their daughter Mardell Elaine Wood was born, and the family moved to Irving, Texas after his discharge from the military.
Paul was hired by Ling Temco Vought (LTV) in Grand Prairie, TX and would work for that company as an engineer for 39 years on a variety of defense and later, space related projects.
In November 1962, Alice gave birth to Grant Evans Wood, their third child.
Between 1966 and 1968, while he worked on the Apollo Space Program, the family relocated to Magnolia, DE. Paul managed quality control for the space suit production at ILC in Dover. They made many lifelong friends during their short stay. When that program ended the family returned to Irving.
Long time residents of Irving, Paul and Alice were founding members of the St. Stephens Presbyterian Church. He was an active member of the church and served on the Session of the church many times. The family enjoyed camping and skiing trips to Colorado, visiting with their children and later, grandchildren.
After retirement, he and Alice traveled to many places in the US and internationally, including the Soviet Union. Every time they went to a new place, they made friends. They enjoyed many activities together: music, dancing, reading, and oil painting.
After Alice's passing in 2004, Paul continued to be active in his children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's lives. He would often meet for a Friday night dinner with Veronica Robison and her family, Mardell, sister-in law Charlcy Black, niece Julia Black, and other family members.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Mardell Wood; son, Grant Wood; daughter-in-law Vicki Knight Wood; Grandchildren Jason Wood, Erica Wood Brunett, Veronica (Robison) Gering, Elliott Robison, Cameron Wood, and Rowan (Wood) Vaughn; many beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alice (Evans) Wood; son, Robert Eric Wood; and sister Dorothy (Wood) Gray.
To honor Paul, a visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 2 to 4 PM at Colonial Funeral Home of Irving, 606 West Airport Freeway- Irving, Texas 75062. A memorial service will be held on October 28, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church, 3650 North O'Connor Road – Irving, Texas 75062, with a burial following at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 3:15 PM. 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway - Dallas, Texas 75211
In lieu of flowers, he requested that donations be made in his name to the Presbyterian Homes and Services. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul, please visit our floral store.