Kenneth Harold Wood's Obituary
Kenneth H. Wood, born September 20, 1933, died on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 83 years old. He was known as “Woody” to almost everyone throughout his life, and as “Pa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was still laughing and refusing to tell his middle name in the ICU at Lakeland Regional in his final days, after jokingly insisting it was “Hercules” for as long as anyone can remember.
Woody was born in Canada, but crossed the border into the U.S. as a teenager to join the U.S. Air Force, and later, Army. While in the service, he traveled the world, gathering stories that entertained curious young children decades later. After serving for twenty years, he retired (with honors) to Key West, Florida, where he intended to live out the rest of his life as a bachelor.
Instead, he fell in love with a hard working single mother named Judy. She famously demanded he get a job despite his pension, if he wanted to date her, which he did right away. The rest is history - Judy and Woody, often affectionately called “Nana and Pa,” were married for more than 3 decades. They made their house a home for family in need on many occasions, and hosted annual Christmas Eve celebrations for everyone.
Woody embodied the commitment of marriage in his later years, standing by Judy without hesitation after she had multiple strokes and became dependent. He worked as a caregiver and a legal mind over many tireless days and nights, partnering with their daughter, Bonnie, to make sure his wife never wanted for anything.
Some of the things Woody loved include: Luciano Pavarotti’s music; scotch; figuring out new gadgets; planning out home improvements and landscaping; food; exploring new areas; checking out the latest cars; and the many people who have survived him, all of whom will miss him terribly.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?
