Wood, William David
William David (Buddy) Wood was born to loving parents, William and Gladys Wood, on August 29, 1954. He died surrounded by some of his close family members in a hospital in Oviedo, FL.
He came into the world a special and beautiful child with Down Syndrome. Without hope and encouragement from the physicians that he would live to be even a year old and ignoring the recommendations to put him in an institution, Bill and Gladys brought their second child home to love, cherish, and bring up with their other children. They had strong faith and love that became the driving force for Buddy to thrive.
It was a family affair beginning with parents and sisters and shared throughout the entire family – all his grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and church family and friends.
As children, Buddy’s three sisters would watch the Oral Roberts Healing Campaign on TV each week and when Oral Roberts asked if anyone was sick to come to the TV and place their hand on the screen, the girls would carry Buddy over expecting God to heal him from his Down Syndrome, when in fact, he was already perfect. The family faith did, however, carry them through many successes as they watched Buddy grow, learn to walk at age 3, and attended school for a short time in Union, WV. He was full of love and touched thousands of lives in his lifetime. His was a life well lived, and he taught everyone who met him how to love, how to trust, and how to never give up.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; sister Elizabeth W. Derfun; brother-in-law Gene Dillon; his maternal grandparents James David and Genoveva Kast; paternal grandparents Mrs. Veta Parcell and Mr. John Henry Wood; many beloved aunts uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his sisters Mary Trier (Ed) of Oviedo, FL; Rebecca Dillon of Ballard, WV, 12 nieces and nephews who lovingly cared for him as if he were their own children: Veta Michella Johnson (Kevin); Cathy Neel (Michael); Deanna Crum (Jon); Kelly Moore (Rob); James McCleary (Lara); Sarah Gauvin (Dan); Heather Kuennen (Scott); Jennifer Trier-Valenti (Mike); Daron South (Erin); Brian South (Katrina); Rodney South; Kimberly Meadows. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins, and friends.
There will be a graveside service conducted on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 2:00 PM in Angels Rest Memorial Gardens in Narrows, VA for Buddy’s honor. On Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 2:00 PM in North Narrows Tabernacle (Buddy’s life-long church), there will be a celebration of a life for Buddy officiated by his friends, Rev. Paul Terry, Rev. Eddie Kendall, and Rev. Tommy Ramsey.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions be made to North Narrows Tabernacle Church (308 Warner St. Narrows, VA 24124) so that all could know the faith of Buddy.
A guestbook is available to send condolences or share in a sweet story by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Wood family.