Gary Wood Obituary

WEST ALEXANDRIA — Pastor Gary Leon Wood of West Alexandriapassed away unexpectedly July 11, 2025, at Kettering Medical Center in Kettering.

He was born in Farmersville, on May 31, 1937, to the late Helen (Brown) Wood Rice and J. Lindsey Wood. He married the love of his life Sandra (Parks) Wood on Nov. 2, 1973. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy from 1954-1956. He received an honorable early discharge due to his father's death. He attended classes at Sinclair Community College, making it on the Dean's List and Theological Seminary to pursue his commitment to Christ. He retired from Monsanto as an electrician in 1992 to become a full time Pastor and he has served as Pastor of Gratis United Methodist Church for 24 years.

He is survived and lovingly missed by his wife Sandra, daughter Wendy (Tony) White of West Alexandria, and son David Wood, Beavercreek; three grandchildren Jeremy White, Chad (Heather) White, Whitney (Jimmy) Kreitzer, all from West Alexandria and Aaron Wood and family; five great-grandchildren, Dylan White, Violet White, Ryan White, Lanie and Wren Kreitzer; brother Bary (Jane) Wood, sister Faith (Tom) Caden, half-brother Monte Rice, sister-in-law Peggy Burke and brother-in-law Rodger Collins; numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and parishioners.

He is preceded in death by his parents and step-father Frank Rice, sister Elaine Collins, father-in-law, Delbert (Vincent) Parks, Mother-in-law, Lucinda "Topsy" Parks, brothers-in-law William Burke, Dale Blankenship and James Countiss, sisters-in-law Lucille Blankenship and Joyce Countiss and nephew Rodney Collins.

Pastor Gary was very well known for his love of Jesus Christ, his family and friends, playing Santa, his collectibles, antiquing, never meeting a stranger, his old cars and motorcycles. Srvices and dinner were held at Preble Memory Gardens, 3377 U.S. 35, West Alexandria, on Wednesday, July 16, with the Reverend Gerry Sadai of Sugar Valley United Methodist Church presiding.

Monetary donations may be made in Pastor Gary Wood's honor to Gratis United Methodist Church, 11 S. Ada Doty Street, Gratis, OH 45330.