Ellis “Chick” Wood Jr., age 80, entered into rest on September 20, 2012 in Manteca. He was a resident of Manteca for over 20 years, he had previously been a resident of the Bay Area. He was born on May 15, 1932 in Westover, Alabama to the late Ellis and Millie Wood. Chick will be welcomed into heaven by his parents, one sister Nora, Mary the mother of his children, and his second wife, Joan, all whom proceed him in death.
Chick leaves behind the love of his life, his wife Ruth Ann of Manteca, his children, Kathy Carter of Simi Valley, CA, Ellis John Wood (Vera) of Reno, NV, and Rhonda Wood (Jeri) of Basstop, TX. He was blessed with many grandchildren, Whitney, John, Daniel, Michael, Reina, Kristine and Michele; and great grandchildren, Justin, Joey, Steven, Cody, Kailane, Meaghan, Mollie, Morgyn and Cyrus; his adopted grandchildren Eddie, Stephanie, Erika and Hunter Smith; three god children, Sara, Janiese and Deliaha. He also leaves behind four brothers and four sisters. He loved and adored his whole family, especially the children. Chick has always been a Marine until the day he died, having served in the US Marines for 12 years. He participated in the Won Son-Hunghon Chosen Campaign. He was one of 12 men that walked out of there. He received several good conduct commendations, National Defense Service Medal, Rok Puc/2 Clusters Medal, Korean Service Medal and UN Service Medal. Sunrise Kiwanis honored him with Acorns from Belleau Woods where in 1918 the Germans honored the Marines with the nickname of Teufel Hund or Devil Dog. He was a retired Boilermaker (1990) where he was General Foreman and Superintendent Structural
Steel at various shipyards in the Bay Area and built nuclear plants in Arizona and New Mexico. He later worked as Community Director for Fairway Estates apartments. He was very active in the community. He loved supporting the Boys and Girls Club. He was a member of Sunrise Kiwanis, Loyal Order of Moose, a charter member of the Ripon VFW, a member of the American Legion. He participated in community activities including the Pumpkin Fair, building props for the Women’s Connection Conference, painting a mural in a day, and building a castle for Give Every Child A Chance Night of Kings and Queens. He was one of the establishing co-founders of Toys for Tots in Manteca through the Manteca Moose Lodge. He was an avid golfer who got a hole in one at the 5th hole at Manteca. Chick was a big fan of the San Francisco 49er’s football team. He loved watching football and playing golf. He cherished time spent with his family. Chick set an example and encouraged his family and friends to be all they can be. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
PL Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, in Manteca is honored to serve the Wood family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 at 1:00pm at the Manteca Moose Lodge, 1185 N. Main Street, Manteca. An online guestbook is available at www.plfryandson.com search obituaries. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Toys for Tots, c/o Manteca Moose Lodge, P.O. Box 602, Manteca, CA. 95336.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012
