Billy Bishop Wood, 87, of Dickson, TN passed away Friday, May 28, 2021 at his residence. Bill was born July 16, 1933 at Brownsford by the banks of Barren River to George Lawson Wood and Hazel Bishop Wood, who preceded him in death.
He graduated from Allen County High School in 1950 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Florida Southern College where he played basketball for three years and served as assistant coach for one year. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.
He received a commission in the regular U. S. Army in 1957 and served 25 years in various assignments in the U. S., France, Germany, Korea and Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, he was a district senior (county) advisor. During his combat tour, he was awarded the bronze star with V. Device, Combat Infantry Badge, the Viet Nam Medal of Honor and the Cross For Galantry. Other awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Commendation Medal (3) and various other service medals. Bill retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Upon retirement, Bill and Barbara retired to Florida where he worked 10 years for the Florida Department of Corrections. They lived on a golf course in Gainesville where they enjoyed golf, which was Bill’s passion after his wife passed away. He moved to Dickson, TN and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Austin Donegan, who survives.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara Austin Wood, Dickson, TN;
3 sons: Kerry Wood and wife, Desni, Jasper, GA; Bill Wood and wife, Laurie, The Villages, FL; David Wood and wife, Marjo, Tampa, FL;
1 daughter: Janet Wood, Gainesville, FL;
7 grandchildren: Jon Sherwood (Brittany), Katy Shipsides (Andy), Adam Wood, Andrew Wood, Phillip Wood, Alexander Wood and Alana Wood;
2 great grandchildren: Huck Sherwood and Wyatt Sherwood.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years: Barbara Mizell Wood; a son: Jonathan Michael Wood and a sister: Nelda Jackson and husband, Ike.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Laura Turner Chapel with Bro. Billy Moran officiating and burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. Saturday until funeral time at the Laura Turner Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Scottsville Country Club. Donations may be made at Goad Funeral Home.