Fred Johnson Wood

Fred Johnson Wood
GREENVILLE - Fred Johnson Wood, 95, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024. He was born in Asheboro, NC on March 6, 1929 (his father's birthday) to Martin L. and Clara M. Wood. He graduated from Hoke High School in Raeford, NC. During the Korean War, he was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He graduated from Lees-McRae Junior College, Banner Elk, NC with an A.A. degree and from East Carolina University with a B.S. degree. In 1957, he accepted a position with the Richmond County, NC Health Department and continued working in the field of environmental health until he retired in 1992 from the NC Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources. During these years, he served as an adjunct professor for the Department of Environmental Health, ECU.
After retirement, he joined the Pitt Golden K Kiwanis Club, serving one year as president and as chairman of numerous committees. He volunteered many hours tutoring at Wahl-Coates School, working at the Red Cross Blood Bank, and delivering Meals on Wheels. He served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Pitt County Council on Aging. For many years, he was a member of the Greenville Coffee Club, where he spent much time in fellowship with his friends. Fred was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church. At First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, he served as a deacon and as an elder.
He loved his family and especially enjoyed watching his two sons grow up. Many hours were spent in helping them with Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. Going fishing with his two grandsons, helping them catch lightning bugs, and walking the Murphy trail was especially joyful for him. He spent many days at his river cottage on the Pamlico working and just enjoying the view.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Wood, whom he married on Thanksgiving day, 1955; father and mother, Martin L. and Clara M. Wood; both of his sons, Timothy and Jay Wood; brother, Martin Wood, Jr.; sister, Jane Duncan; mother-in-law, Verla Hope Anderson; and his best friend Murphy, his golden retriever.
He is survived by his grandsons, Austin Wood and fiancé, Amber Beaman, and Aidan Wood; and daughter-in-law, Kristie Wooten and her husband, Ron, all of Greenville.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, at 11 AM. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. The interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1400 South Elm Street, Greenville, NC 27858.
Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com