Gary David Wood

Gary David Wood, age 70, of St. Augustine, passed away on January 21, 2024 at his home in St. Augustine Beach. He was born on September 18, 1953 in Dearborn, MI to parents Hubert J. "Bud" and Rose Marie (Miller) Wood. Gary grew up in Ashland City, Tennessee and graduated from Cheatham County Central High School with the Class of 1971. He went on to attend Austin Peay State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1975. His first job out of college was working for the Dept of Human Services for the State of Tennessee under Gov. Ray Blanton. He later attended the Nashville School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1981. He served as the in-house counsel for the Metropolitan Development Housing Authority (MDHA). In this role he represented the underprivileged in court, helping them maintain their housing. During this time he also served as a special judge in the Davidson County General Sessions Court. In the mid 1990's he was Chairman of the Cheatham County Planning Commission and from 1996 to 2003 he served on the Foster Care Review Board. Beyond his professional capacity, Gary was personally responsible for fostering and mentoring more than 30 youth from the foster system. In the late 1990's Gary attended First Baptist Church in Ashland City where he taught a Sunday School class, and true to form, he led his class members up the hill to a local nursing home where together they ministered to the needs of the residents. He was a volunteer with the Martha O'Bryan Center and Meals on Wheels, often using his lunch break to distribute meals to those in need. After retiring, Gary continued his work with the underprivileged, volunteering for 2 years with Project CURE and most recently spending every Tuesday passing out food at the St. Johns Food Pantry. Gary had a huge heart for those less fortunate and did everything in his power to improve their lives. Gary was also very active in tennis since 1970. In his retirement he continued to play tennis at Atlantic Beach & Tennis Club. His tennis group were some of his closest friends. He was a very active member of Living Stone Church where he hosted bible study at his home on Wednesdays. Gary truly lived a life of love and compassion, and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his sons, Clay Wood, Chase Wood and his wife Heidi, all of Nashville; sister, Carol Smedley and her husband James of Chattanooga, TN.; brother, Kenny Wood and his wife Shann of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Easton and Emery; the mother of his children and best friend, Betty Bass Robinson, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, Julie & Bill Brothers; and many other he considered family. A private celebration of Gary's life will be held in St. Augustine and a public memorial will be held at a later date in Nashville. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gary David Wood

September 18, 1953 - January 21, 2024