Jerry Ray Wood

1936 - 2025

Jerry Ray Wood

Aug 17, 1936 - Oct 23, 2025

Jerry Ray Wood, 89, of New York City, formerly of Winston-Salem, N.C., passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born August 17, 1936, he was the son of Elizabeth Willeford Wood and Raymond Wiley Wood.

A graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School, Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Army Security Agency from 1952 to 1955, stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. After his service, he earned a degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jerry dedicated his career to education, working at Long Island University and later at New York University, where he served as Director of the School of Commerce and Assistant Director of Admissions.

For the past 65 years, Jerry made his home in New York City, where he enjoyed classical music and the Metropolitan Opera. He was known for his humor, kindness, and deep love for his family, especially in his favorite role as "Uncle Jerry."

He is survived by his sister, Linda Wood Bitton; nieces, Morgan Bitton (John Iannelli), Carlin Schussler (Sean Schussler), and Ashley Bitton; nephew, Bram Bitton (Seneca Bitton); and great-nieces and nephews, Carter Bitton, Reina Bitton, Delphia Schussler, Hogan Schussler, and Ryder Schussler.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday November 8, 2025, at Calvary Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, with burial to follow at God's Acre Cemetery in Old Salem.

In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated for Adaptive Sports Foundation of Windham, N.Y., Ulster County Habitat for Humanity in Kingston, N.Y., or Calvary Moravian Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

120 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101