Lt. Col. Fred D. Wood Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, in Swansboro, North Carolina.

Born on March 29, 1935, in Greenville, South Carolina, Fred was the cherished son of the late Fred D. Wood, Sr. and Angeline Inez McAllister Wood. He spent his formative years growing up in Wadesboro, North Carolina, before attending North Carolina State University. There, he earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering and cemented his status as a fiercely proud, lifelong fan of the NCSU Wolfpack.

Following his education, Fred honorably served his country as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. His military career took him across the globe, with assignments in Ohio, Nebraska, and Germany, before stationing him in Virginia. Fred settled in Vienna, Virginia in 1972, where he proudly lived and raised his family for over five decades before moving permanently to Swansboro, North Carolina in 2025. Beyond his distinguished service, Fred was an avid golfer, a long-time Rules Official for the USGA, a dedicated follower of Formula One Racing, and an all-around sports enthusiast.

Far beyond his impressive resume, Fred will be remembered for the light he brought into every room. Guided by an unwavering devotion to his family and his faith, he was truly the life of the party. Fred possessed a quick wit and a brilliant sense of humor that never failed to lift spirits. He had a rare and beautiful gift for finding the positive in any situation, teaching his loved ones by example how to live with joy and gratitude.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Effie A. Wood, with whom he shared 42 wonderful years of marriage; his brother, Michael G. Wood; and his infant granddaughter, Hayley Wood.

He is survived by his devoted wife, JoLynn; his children, Marshall Wood (Jill) of Fairfax, Virginia, and Angela Wood of Gainesville, Virginia; and JoLynn’s daughters, whom he loved deeply as his own: Ellen (Mark) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Elizabeth (Jim) of Toronto, Canada. Fred also leaves behind a legacy of love as the incredibly proud grandfather to Cameron, Devon, Addyson, Grace, Madison, Lauren, Anna Louise, Abigail, and David.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.