Charles Richard Wood

On October 24, 2023, (Charles) Richard Wood, longtime resident of the Auburn area, passed away peacefully at the age of 65 after a brave, hard fight with failing health. 

Richard, known by many as ‘RW’, graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Ag Econ, working for the Forestry Department for a while. He lived his life fully on his terms, enjoyed travel, loved the beach, water skiing, Rock ‘n Roll and other genres of music, especially live music, sports of most any kind, especially Auburn, the Braves, golf and shooting pool. He also enjoyed arrowhead hunting, bicycling, fishing and scuba diving. In his earlier years, he enjoyed skydiving, making several hundred jumps, participating in group formations and even landing onto the football field very near or on the 50 yard line at an A Day game! In addition to those activities, he loved playing on the men’s intramural softball team Def Crew, who were quite good. Richard had a passion for photography and gardening, growing some of his own food and sharing with others. Also, he was diligent about leaving the smallest carbon footprint on earth possible. He was loved and will be missed by many. As one friend said “Richard did not have a mean bone in his body”.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 10 at 3:30 pm at Auburn First Baptist Church at 128 E Glenn Avenue, Auburn with Pastor Dr. Tripp Martin presiding. Later, around 5:30 pm, Scott Peak welcomes everyone to Standard Deluxe in Waverly to continue remembering Richard with fellowship, a shrimp boil and live music.

Richard was predeceased by his mother, Billie Ruth Fant Wood, grandmother Ada Herring Fant Ware, grandfather John Wm Fant (d. 1948); father Henry Alan Wood, grandfather Henry Clay Wood, Jr., grandmother Margaret Velma Grogan Wood (d. 1937); our uncle John A. Fant, aunt Lola Mae Fant and our eldest brother Henry Clay Wood, III.
Richard is survived by siblings Margaret W Wood (Tim Johnson), William A Wood (Christina), and Sam F Wood, half siblings Lea W Howell (Brett), J Hal Wood (Tahara), and Bess Wood; our first cousins John Fant (Melony), Jim Fant (Susan), and Bob Fant (Jill) and their families, plus many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends that he loved dearly.

We are extremely grateful for the generous love and care given by Pudden Watkins as he spent the last phase of his life in her home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alabama Kidney Foundation, East Alabama Food Bank, plant a tree or donate to your favorite charity in his name.