Rev. Gary L. Wood

WOOD, Pastor Gary Leon of West Alexandria, OH passed away unexpectedly July 11, 2025 at Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, OH.

He was born in Farmersville, OH on May 31st, 1937 to the late Helen (Brown) Wood Rice and J. Lindsey Wood. He married the love of his life Sandra (Parks) Wood on November 2nd, 1973.

He was a Veteran of the United States Navy from 1954-1956.  He received an honorable early discharge due to his father’s death.

He attended classes at Sinclair Community College, making it on the Dean’s list and Theological Seminary to pursue his commitment to Christ.

He retired from Monsanto as an electrician in 1992 to become a full time Pastor and he has served as Pastor of Gratis United Methodist Church for 24 years.

He is survived and lovingly missed by his wife Sandra, daughter Wendy (Tony) White of West Alexandria, OH and son David Wood, Beavercreek, OH.  Three grandchildren Jeremy White, Chad (Heather) White, Whitney (Jimmy) Kreitzer, all from West Alexandria and Aaron Wood and family. Five great-grandchildren, Dylan White, Violet White, Ryan White, Lanie and Wren Kreitzer. Brother Bary (Jane) Wood, sister Faith (Tom) Caden, half-brother Monte Rice, sister-in-law Peggy Burke and brother-in-law Rodger Collins. Numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and parishioners.

Preceded in death by his parents and step-father Frank Rice, sister Elaine Collins, father-in-law, Delbert (Vincent) Parks, Mother-in-law, Lucinda “Topsy” Parks, brothers-in-law William Burke, Dale Blankenship and James Countiss, sisters-in-law Lucille Blankenship and Joyce Countiss and nephew Rodney Collins.

Pastor Gary was very well known for his love of Jesus Christ, his family and friends, playing Santa, his collectibles, antiquing, never meeting a stranger, his old cars and motorcycles.

All services and dinner will be held at Preble Memory Gardens 3377 US 35 West Alexandria, OH 45381. Visitation on Wednesday, July 16th from 4:00-7:00pm with an additional visitation Thursday July 17th noon-1:00pm with the funeral services following at 1:00pm. The Reverend Gerri Sidai of Sugar Valley United Methodist Church presiding. Dinner will follow the services.

Monetary donations may be made in Pastor Gary Wood’s honor to Gratis United Methodist Church, 11 S. Ada Doty Street, Gratis, OH 45330.