William Wood

Fulton Wood, 88, of 1705 Skylyn Drive, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 7, 2011, at Mary Black Memorial Hospital. Born November 7, 1922 in Laurens, SC, he was the son of the late William McKinley and Melvie Landers Wood and husband of the late Mrs. Lois Ellen Petty Wood. Mr. Wood was a 1940 graduate of Spartanburg High School. He served in the U.S. Navy as Chief Petty Officer in the Pacific at Guadalcanal during WWII. After the war, he attended Wofford College, graduating in 1950, beginning a three-generation family tradition of Wofford graduates including four sons who entered professions of law, medicine, real estate, and construction. His legacy continues having two grandsons and a granddaughter graduate from his alma mater and with his youngest granddaughter currently in attendance. Mr. Wood had a productive 40-year career as a builder and contractor. He was a member of the Spartanburg Homebuilders Association and National Association of Homebuilders. He was also employed by the City of Spartanburg as a firefighter and police officer, retiring after 35 years of service. Mr. Wood was a Mason of Masonic Lodge #360 and a member of Evangel Cathedral. He was an avid reader and devoted walker enjoying good mental and physical health throughout his life. "Fulton always greeted you with a smile and a courteous nod. He will be greatly missed," said a group of his closest friends. Survivors include a daughter, Connie JoEllen Wood of Spartanburg; three sons, Dr. T. Keith Wood and wife Celia, Joel Christopher Wood and wife Stephanie Lynn, and David Fulton Wood and wife Joan, all of Spartanburg; six granddaughters, Melissa Ann Sauer of Atlanta, Ann Ashley Wood of New York City, Ellen Brooke Wood of Spartanburg, Rachel Holden Miller of York, Angela Abbott Humphries of Cowpens, and Brooke Abbott Hilliard of Spartanburg; three grandsons, Captain Gary Michael Wood, Jr. of Washington DC, Case McKinley Wood of Spartanburg, and Jason McDuffy Wood of Charleston; and four great-granddaughters, Katherine Arden Sauer, Hannah Brianne Humphries, Kaylee Sierra Humphries, and Ivy Jean Hilliard. He was predeceased by a son, Gary Michael Wood, Sr., a prominent local attorney and father of Melissa Ann Sauer and Green Beret officer, Captain Gary Michael Wood, Jr.; a sister, Violet Wood Smith; and a brother, Charles Theodore "Ted" Wood. A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Joe White. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to The Charles Lea Center Foundation, 195 Burdette St., Spartanburg, SC 29307 and Wofford College, Development Office, 429 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Fulton Wood please visit our Sympathy Store.