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. 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 enjoying arrowhead hunting, bicycling, fishing and scuba diving. In his earlier years, he enjoyed skydiving, participating in group formations and even landing onto the field close to or at the 50 yard line at an A Day game! In addition to that activity, 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 our mother, Billie Ruth Wood, grandmother Ada Herring Fant Ware, grandfather Herring, father Henry Alan Wood, our grandfather Wood, our only uncle and aunt, John A Fant and Lola Mae F Fant and our eldest brother Henry Clay Wood, III. He is survived by siblings Margaret W Wood (Tim Johnson), William A Wood (Christina), and Samuel (Sam) F Wood, half siblings Lea W Howell (Brett), J Hal Wood (Tahara), and Bess (Elizabeth) Wood, our only 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 East Alabama Food Bank, Alabama Kidney Foundation, plant a tree or donate to your favorite charity in his name.