Col. Michael R. Wood U.S. Army (Retired)

Col. Michael R. Wood U.S. Army (Retired), 66, of Lillington passed away Saturday, May 15, 2021, peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen Renee Wood; his son, Daniel Wood (Abigail Wood), daughters, Donna Wood (fiancé, Christopher Kempton) and Kaitlyn Hill (Daniel Alan Hill, Sr.); grandchildren, Wells Alexander Wood; Luke, Gabriel, Kayleigh, Natalie Hill and Daniel Alan Hill, Jr. 

An avid dog lover, he will certainly be missed by his boys, Winston and Benjamin.

Michael was born in Los Angeles, CA, the son of the late Edward and Maria Wood. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Michael honorably served 32 years in the U.S. Army, most recently to the Joint Special Operations Command as Commander of the Joint Support Group and Chief of Staff. Col. Wood's decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two campaign stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Joint Meritorious (1 OLC) and Superior Unit Awards. Michael enjoyed his retirement years traveling with his family as the acting tour guide. A lover of history and fluent in multiple languages, he found hospitality in even the smallest of villages worldwide. 

Michael was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fuquay-Varina, and a memorial service will be held there on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 10am. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 1128 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina, 27526 or to the cancer charity of one’s choice.  
 

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