STATE ROAD -- Dr. John Leonard Wood, age 57, of Quail Tree Lane, State Road, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at his residence.

Dr. Wood was born in Carthage on Aug. 17, 1951 to Elijah Leonard Wood and Sally Smith Wood.

He was a graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor of Science; graduate from UNC Chapel Hill Dental School; received an honor by the Academy of Dentistry International; and was awarded the title of “Fellow” in Psi Omega Fraternity, Chi Upsilon Chapter.

Dr. Wood was a member of the North Carolina Realtor Association, the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, Blue Ridge Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, UNC  Dental Alumni Association, UNC General Alumni Association, Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce.

He was also member of the Masons, Shriners, and of Scottish Rite .

He was a pilot and loved flying, motorcycles, golf and hunting and was an avid musician.

Dr. Wood was preceded in death by his father, Elijah Leonard Wood.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Strickland Wood of the home; a son he adored, Christopher Ashley Strickland of Wilmington; grandchildren, Allie Ross and Gage Strickland, who were his heart and soul. He was known to them as “Poppy”.

He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Lori Parkman and husband, Jeff; brother-in-law, Kirk Hutchins and wife, Amanda; mother-in-law, June Hutchins, all of Raleigh; close and dear friends, Bill and Judy Walker of Elkin; and the loyal Staff at Dr. Wood Dental Office. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 25, 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Elkin by Dr. Bill Johnson.

His family will receive friends following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall.

The family wants to say a special thanks to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for the love and support shown to the Wood family.

Memorials may be made to Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, California, 90401, or to the National Cancer Institute, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892.

Johnson Funeral Home of Elkin is serving the Wood family.