Steve Alan Wood

Steven Alan Wood of Maumelle, formerly of Arkadelphia, died Saturday, April 28th after a short illness. Born September 1, 1949 in Arkadelphia to Carroll and Dorothy Wood, Steve was the oldest of four children. He grew up in Sparkman, DeQueen, Arkadelphia, and Stamps, Arkansas, graduating from Stamps High School in 1968. Steve was a gifted athlete throughout high school and college, playing football, basketball and running track. He was high point man at 1968 Arkansas Meet of Champs track meet. Steve was awarded a football scholarship to East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, and was a punter and receiver until sidelined by a knee injury. He returned to Arkadelphia, where he played baseball and finished his degree in Biology at Henderson State College. Steve married his life-long love, Donna Bridges, in 1972, and together they raised three great kids. Their family was full of fun and family vacations were legendary. Steve spent many years in the insurance industry, worked as a timber buyer for International Paper Company, and spent several years coaching and teaching. Steve enjoyed helping people, whether it was insurance customers or kids at school. He went the extra mile to make sure people's needs were met. He was a gifted artist, but his greatest gift was his quick wit. Steve's sense of humor was amazing and he could have a roomful of people laughing with just a look or comment. Besides his family and friends, Steve most loved the Hogs, Dallas Cowboys, and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Carroll Wood, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Donna, and his children Shelley (Adam) Buck of Bryant, Stephanie (Jason) Smith of Conway, and Scott Wood of Little Rock. The lights of Steve's world were his grandchildren, Max, Maddie, and Asa Buck and Kohen and Saylor Smith. They were adored by their Poppy and he was their favorite playmate and best buddy. Steve is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Tommie) Campbell and brother, Stan (Kellye) Wood all of Arkadelphia, as well as Donna's sisters Rose Ellen, (Charles) Woods of Stamps, Christie (David) Phelen of Rogers, and Connie (Michael) Britt of Benton, many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Services will be Wednesday, May 2, at 1 p.m. in the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Chapel in Arkadelphia with Rev. Robbie Horne officiating. Burial will be in the Richland Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Richland Cemetery Fund, c/o Sue Thomas, 973 Central Rd., Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923, or Disabled American Veterans, Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. Sing on line at www.ruggleswilcox.com.