It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Wayne Richard Wood, age 74, of Waleska, GA at the Wm. Child's Hospice House in Palm Bay, FL on March 19 ^th , 2018 surrounded by family.

Wayne was born on April 8 ^th , 1943 in Plymouth, MI to his late parents Owen Clifford Wood and Dorathy Catherine Hansen. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Darlene Lanette Wood and his loyal companion, Woody.

He is also survived by his son Richard and wife Vicki Wood, St. Clair Shores, MI; daughter Stacy and husband Kevin Reynolds, Waleska, GA. Brother Bruce and wife Linda Wrightwood, Huntley, IL. Sister Joanne and husband Arthur Way, Kennesaw, GA. Sister Debra McGill Proveaux, Canton, GA. Grandchildren: Jesse and wife Patricia Hudson, Justice Hudson, Nicole Hudson, Derek Wood, Justin Reynolds, Kyle Reynolds, and Logan Reynolds. Great grandchildren: Jody Branson Dodd, Raelynn Grace Chambers, and Paisley Reynolds. Many nieces and nephews.

Wayne retired from IBM in 1998 and spent the past 20 years traveling the world with his wife by his side. Their adventures included traveling all over the United States, from Hawaii to Alaska, to even exploring the South Pacific, Europe, and the Caribbean. Wayne was an avid lover of all sports, with a special interest in golf. With a passion for mentoring the youth, Wayne continued his commitment by coaching football and basketball. As his children grew and he could no longer play, Wayne found ways to participate by refereeing youth basketball and being an umpire for senior men's softball. He was also a Cub Master, a Boy Scout Leader, and a chaperone with the Youth program at his church. Being a kid at heart, it came naturally for Wayne to relate to these children… He was so very loved by a multitude of people.

Wayne was known for his wonderful sense of humor and he NEVER met a stranger. There was no other like him; he will be long remembered by a lifetime of friends. He will be missed by many. He was a character. Wayne loved Elvis Presley music, so much so, that he's probably stalking Elvis in Heaven. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother.

The greatest compliment for a man's life is the respect and admiration from the people he mentored, whether young or old. He was still "Mr. Wood" to many. From the words of one former football player: "This man shaped and influenced how I viewed myself and the world. He taught me a work ethic and expected my best every day. He made me feel special and loved...I AM ONE AMONG MANY WHO COULD CLAIM THIS EXACT THING."

A celebration of life, to be held in GA, will be arranged by the family at a later date. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.seawindsfh.com .

Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Sebastian, FL