Lanny T. Wood

1961 - 2021

Lanny Thomas Wood, 60, of Durham, NC, passed away June 13, 2021 at Duke Medical Center of complications from his recent diagnosis of advanced stage lymphoma.

Lanny was born January 15, 1961, in LaHarpe, Illinois, the youngest child of Byron and Dorothy Wood of Webster, Illinois. He graduated as valedictorian of the LaHarpe High School class of 1979. He continued his education at the University of Illinois earning a full scholarship and graduating with a degree in architecture. After a career in that field for several years, he dedicated his life to education, teaching Middle School math and later introducing the Project Lead the Way program in the Orlando, FL area. Later he moved into training teachers in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. in how to incorporate STEM (Science, Technology Engineering & Mathematics) into their classrooms through his work with Project Lead the Way. He was currently employed by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools as a High School Drafting and Engineering Instructor.

In 1987 he was united in marriage to Melinda Keenan in Park Ridge, Illinois. They had one daughter, Thompson.

He was an active supporter of his local churches over the years, beginning with Fountain Green Presbyterian Church where he grew up and continuing in both the Florida and North Carolina churches where his wife served as pastor. He sang in the choir, facilitated theology discussions and jumped in to various volunteer roles.

Lanny loved photography, always framing the shots with an artist's perspective. Landscaping, cooking, hiking and music were other passions he enjoyed. Above all, he loved his wife, daughter and son-in-law and was excitedly anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild.

Lanny is survived by his wife Melinda, their daughter Thompson (Jacob) Bellet of Orlando, FL, his Mother-in-law Marion Kennan, Durham, NC, his brother Sam (Mary) Wood, Elvaston IL, two sisters Marcia Wood and Marla Wood, both of Carthage IL, in addition to several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service was held Saturday, June 216 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ (3011 Academy Rd, Durham NC 27707). Memorial gifts can be made to the church and will be directed toward caring for their unsheltered neighbors through Urban Ministries and meeting the needs of the food insecure around the world through World Central Kitchen. Memorials can also be made to Fountain Green Presbyterian Church via Sam Wood, PO Box 86, Elvaston IL 62334. Online condolences may be made to the family via their various Facebook pages.