Billy J. Wood

Billy J. Wood, 77, of Searcy, passed away peacefully Jan. 20, 2012, at his home surrounded by family following a year-long illness. He is survived by his wife of 49 1/2 years, Flora (Duke) Wood; his son, David Wood and his wife Pam; his daughter, Julie Williams and her husband Charlie Williams and his four grandchildren, his pride and joy, Zach and Que Wood and Parker and Lindsey Salzman; a brother, Jerry and his wife Muriel of Missouri; a sister Kay and her husband Billy Vickers of Springdale; and sister Joyce Nail of Batesville. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Nola Wood, sister Dee Qualls and brother Bob Wood. He was born to John and Nola Wood on June 25, 1934, in Cushman, Ark., the oldest of their six children. Mr. Wood served in the Army and spent a year in Iceland. He was a registered professional engineer and worked for Entergy, formally known as Arkansas Power and Light, until he retired in 1995 as division manager. After his retirement, he worked for H&R Block for about 13 years and devoted the rest of his time traveling with his wife and family and creating games for his grandchildren and reveling in their joy. Mr. Wood touched the lives of many people with his generosity and service to his community. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church and a Sunday school teacher and was proud to serve in many other aspects there. He was past president of Lions Club, past president of Chamber of Commerce, past chairman of the Searcy Economic Development Commission. Mr. Wood was a member of Mensa, served on the Searcy Planning Commission and the Searcy Library Board. Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Searcy. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church with entombment to follow at White County Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Searcy First Baptist Church Building Fund. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.