Dr. Tom C. Wood

Dr. Tom C. Wood, age 91 of Paris, TN, died Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at his residence.

He retired after a lifelong career practicing medicine. He lived a full life of accomplishments and was dedicated to serving others.  Tom was a 1947 graduate of Martin High School and a 1949 graduate of the University of Tennessee Junior College.  He went on to the University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1951, then attended the University of Tennessee College of Medicine where he graduated with a doctorate in medicine in 1958.  Dr. Wood served an internship at John Gaston Hospital in 1959.  In 1960, alongside Dr. Paul Mobley and Dr. Joe Mobley, he founded East Wood Clinic in Paris.  He served a 28-year tenure in the U.S. Army National Guard as a flight surgeon, earning National Guard Flight Surgeon of the year in 1980.  He also worked as family physician and field surgeon before his retirement.  He graduated from Aeromedical Center Fort Rucker Flight Surgeon School in 1976 and went on to pass the American Academy of Family Practice in 1970.  After many years of medical service, Dr. Wood then became a public health officer for the Tennessee Department of Public Health until January 1997.  He served as Chief of hospital staff at Henry County Hospital two different times, served on the board at the Natural Gas Company for 38 years, and served on the board at the Security Bank and Trust for 28 years.  Dr. Wood was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Paris.

Dr. Wood was born June 17, 1928, in Martin, TN, to the late William T. Wood and the late Elwin Jeffress Wood.

He was married June 17, 1951, to his wife of 69 years, Beverly Meals Wood, who survives, of Paris, TN.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by one son. Tom C. (Alice Morris) Wood, Jr. of Franklin, TN; one sister, Carole Wood Harrison of Jackson, TN; eight grandchildren, Casey Wood, Amanda Wood, Tara (Justin) Watkins, Tiffany Wood, Todd Wood, Chad Wood, Wesley (Samantha) Wood, and Ashley (Brandon) Taylor; and 11 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sons, Danny Jeffress Wood and James Weber Wood; two brothers, Weber Wood and Joe Wood; and one grandson, Patrick Tucker Wood.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN. Public visitation will be Friday, June 19, 2020, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 105 South Market Street, Paris, TN 38242.  The funeral service will be Friday, June 19, 2020, at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Carol Wade officiating.  For the safety of the public, all social distancing guidelines adopted by First Presbyterian Church Paris will be respected and followed during all services.  The funeral service will be limited to family and a few close friends.  The committal service at the graveside will be open to the public.

Serving as pallbearers will be Wesley Wood, Gary Hunter, Tae Eaton, Barry McIntosh, Brad Heath, Jerry Dewitt, Todd Wood, and Chad Wood.  Named as honorary pallbearers are Russell Riggins, Ben Johnson, Steve Trask, Dr. Wayne McGee, Charles Wallace, Dr. Mickey Norman, Terry Pierce, and Steve Greer.

Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  First Presbyterian Church, 105 South Market Street, Paris, TN 38242.