Paul was born March 23, 1939, in Louisville, MS, to Samuel and Beryl Gillett Wood. He was a 1957 graduate of Louisville High School, and a 1961 graduate of Delta State University, where he attended on a baseball scholarship. After college, he was the head coach for the Louisville High School Wildcats football team. He received his Masters degree in Education from Mississippi State University in 1972, and helped establish the first regional health department office in Starkville. Paul served in the Mississippi National Guard and retired in 1982 with the rank of Colonel. He then served as the administrator of Winston County Hospital, Grenada Lake Medical Center, and the Choctaw County Hospital. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Louisville, and attended Crape Creek Baptist Church near Stewart, MS. He was an avid bird hunter and horseman, and trained bird dogs and held field trials. Paul’s passion was his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Mills Wood; his parents; a brother, Douglas Wood; and his son, Paul Johnson “Jay” Wood, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Burton Wood of Louisville; his step-children, Joey (Cynthia) Hood of Ackerman and Rene (Dr. Gene) Cathey of Ocean Springs, MS; his grandchildren, Samantha Wood (Pete) Webb and Bailey Wood, Jonah and Owen Hood, Macey Busby, Bryce Busby, and Mary Jane Cathey; his brother, Harris (Barbara) Wood of Louisville; his step-grandchild, Kyle (Lara) Higginbotham; his great grandchildren, Paul Hudson Webb and Josie Grey Webb; step- great grandchildren, Lake and Jett Higginbotham; a nephew, Patrick Wood; and a daughter-in-law, Cindy Knight Nabers.
Pallbearers will be Joey Hood, Dr. Gene Cathey, Kyle Higginbotham, Pete Webb, Brian Shearer, Benjie Shearer, Ray Shearer, and Bryce Busby.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
