Douglas J. Wood went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 14, 2021 in Panama City Beach, Florida. He was born in New York City on November 24, 1928, the son of the late Ollie and Helen B. Wood. He graduated from Long Branch High School, Long Branch, NJ, in 1947, and the University of Nebraska, in 1973.

He is predeceased by Carolyn Rae (Sherman) Wood, his long-time, high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years. They married on June 23, 1951 at St. Luke's Methodist Church, Long Branch, NJ.

He is survived by his daughter Jill (Pete) Darling of Warren Center, Pennsylvania; son Doug Wood of Kathleen, Georgia; daughter Shari (Ragan) Nicholl of Islamorada, Florida and daughter Wendy (Lee) Gaudin of Springville, Alabama. He is survived by grandchildren Greg (Angela) and children Andrew, Elijah, Lavella and Jonah Darling; Keith Darling; Brittany (James Barrell) and their daughter Loxleigh; Channing (Michael Gray) and their daughter Aylin; Landon, and Dillon Wood; and Kyle and Rachel Nicholl.

He is survived by sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Rae Cartwright of Lakewood, New Jersey and Evelyn and Jack  Tantillo of Beaufort, SC, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brother-in-law, Robert Cartwright.

LTC (Retired) Wood served 30 years in the US Army, serving two tours of combat duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot in 1965-'66 and 1967-'68. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Star Medals with Oak Leaf Cluster and 26 Air Medals, one with Oak Leaf Cluster.

He and his family enjoyed traveling in Europe while stationed in Augsburg, Germany. He was also stationed in Kentucky, Texas, Germany, North Carolina, Nebraska, Alabama and his final assignment was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the last commander of Frankford Arsenal during its final closure.

He retired in 1979 and has lived for over 40 years in Venture Out, Panama City Beach, Florida. He continued the traveling bug in his succession of Winnebagos throughout the years. He was known for his quick-witted barbs, which usually had everyone laughing. He was a member of the American Legion, Moslah Temple, VFW and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.

Many thanks goes to Dr. Bruce Josten who was his dedicated family doctor for over 30 years. "The Boss" leaves behind his beloved part-time caregiver of nine years, Patricia Hidalgo, whom he also called "The Boss."

There will be no services until Doug and Carolyn are laid to rest together in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. Condolences can be made to his family at Doug Wood, 4341 Thomas Dr., Box D-29, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org by clicking "Donate" in memory of Doug Wood.