John Wesley Wood

Benson, NC:  Mr. John Wesley Wood, age 96, of Wood's Crossroads Road died Sunday, September 21, 2014 at NC State Veterans Nursing Home, 214 Cochran Avenue, Fayetteville, NC.  He was born September 28, 1917 in Johnston County to the late Isaac F. Wood and Martha Jane Raynor Wood of Benson.  He was  preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Adams Wood, whom he married August 9, 1942 and they celebrated 59 years of marriage.  Siblings preceding him in death are sisters, Lillie Barefoot, Celesta Beasley, and Gladys Kinsey and brothers, Colonel, Milburn, Warren, I. F. Wood.      Funeral services will be 2:00PM Wednesday, September 24, at Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel, 301 West Main Street, Benson, NC (919-894-3131). Officiating will be Revs. Michael Bassett and Ronnie LaFevers. Burial will follow in Harnett Devotional Gardens, 5665 Fairground Road, Dunn, NC.      Mr. Wood cherished his family.  He enjoyed his associations with friends at his church, community groups and McDonald's restaurant in Benson.  He was a World War II veteran and served as Commander of the American Legion Banner Post 109 and a member of the Johnston County Chapter 44 of the Disabled American Veterans.  He was a member of Lodge 480 of Woodman of the World.   He had been active in the Meadow Sixty-Plus Club, the Benson Center for Active Aging Citizens and Benson Junior Order.  He was a retired farmer and served as an Agricultural ASC official for many years.  He was a long-term participant in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis UNC Health Study ending his relationship when he could no longer effectively respond to questions because of his advancing Alzheimer's disease. He was very proud of his many "celebrated birthdays" and enjoyed eating birthday cake.  He looked forward to attending family reunions.     Surviving Mr. Wood are his daughter & her husband, Tresa & Nelson P. Wheeler of Dunn; his sons, John Larrice Wood and Martie Adams Wood, both of Benson; grandson & wife, John Toby & Kristina Wood of Benson; great-grandson, John Tyler Wood; two step great-grandchildren; and brother, Marcus C. Wood of Benson.  There are many surviving nieces and nephews.  Special family friends are Patsy Britt and Judy Blackman, both of Benson.      A visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, September 23, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson and other times at the home of his son,  John Larrice Wood, 3260 Wood's Crossroads Road, Benson, NC (919-894-4003).      Memorials may be donated to Holly Grove Advent Christian Church, 2050 Holly Grove Road, Benson, NC  27504 or to the American Legion Banner Post 109, P. O. Box 153, Benson, NC  27504.