John Wood

John Wood ObituaryVisit the Rader Funeral Home of Longview website to view the full obituary.A service of celebration for the life and legacy of John Jay Wood will be held at 10am on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home. Reverend Dr. CJ Tillinghast and Temple Carpenter III will be officiating. Graveside service will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Henderson, Texas at 2pm. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Rader Funeral Home from 6-8pm. John passed into the eternal arms of Jesus on March 14, 2026 after an accident.He was born on July 1, 1941 in Endicott, New York to Clifford Burton Wood and Eva Ruth Burgett. He spent his childhood in Upstate New York.John began his career in the custom home construction industry before relocating to Texas, where he became a steel erection worker. During that time, he contributed to several projects in the Longview area, including work at Continental Can and the Stroh Can Plant, which later became American National Can. He eventually joined the can plant as an employee, where he dedicated the remainder of his career until his retirement.Linda worked as a surgical nurse at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas. It was there that he met his beloved wife of 56 years, Linda, who preceded him in death on March 7, 2026. The two were married on February 28, 1970, and together built a life centered on love, family, and devotion. As the primary provider for his family, he carried his responsibilities with dedication and care. His kindness and nurturing spirit touched the lives of everyone he met, and to him, no one was ever a stranger.John remained an active member of Greggton Global Methodist. He was a longtime member of the Alethea Sunday School Class and a charter member of the Tuesday Morning Men's Prayer Breakfast.He was preceded in death by his parents. His brothers Harold, Elwin, and Robert. His sisters Velma and Ramona.John is survived by his children Leslie Smith & husband Michael of Decorah, IA and Darren Wood of Longview, Vickie Wood of Commerce and John Wood Jr. & wife Kathy of Cypress Fairbanks. His grandchildren - Karly Green & husband Chance, Rory Curtin & wife Kasey, Madi Brasher & husband Wade, Ian Smith & wife Gabby, Matthew Smith & fiancée Alyssa Sobolik, Sara Wood, and Rya Wood. His great-grandson Austin Green. His brother George Woods and wife Linda. As well as numerous nieces and nephews, loved ones and friends.The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all of our family and friends that have cared for and prayed for us these last two weeks.Please make donations to the charity of your choice or Greggton Global Methodist Church, PO Box 5486, Longview, Tx 75608 https://www.greggton.org/givingRead The Full Obituary