Henry Wallace Wood, 78

Today we rejoice for the big, beautiful life of Henry Wallace Wood. He was called home suddenly on May 10, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Malcom Raleigh and Carrie Mae (Phinazee) Wood; brothers, Clarence Robert Wood, Harold Gene Wood, Algoma Perry Wood, Carlous Edward Wood, James Medford Wood; sisters, Manila Mae Marshall, Mary Lee Wood; and son-in-law Rodney Mark.

Henry was born on November 16, 1947, in McMinnville, Tennessee to the union of the late Malcolm and Carrie Wood. He is the eleventh child and eighth son in the 15-sibling family. Growing up in a brood this size was a fertile place for Henry to grow and thrive with brothers to learn from and younger siblings to watch over.

Henry learned early the creative and gentleness of his bright mother and the skilled and thriftiness of a firm father. He was smart, gentle, independent, curious, persuasive, meticulous and an enterpriser.

Henry’s education began in school at Pleasant Hill and he graduated from Central High School. He later attended Tennessee Technical in Cookeville where he intertwined formal education with the rich knowledge and experience acquired from his family. His curious nature would lead him professionally to do and grow from various places of employment. As a child, he learned about the land and growing crops from tobacco to cotton or even understanding the quality of wood from different trees. All those skills Henry carried forward into the next opportunity he created. Henry was skilled at a young age, where alongside his father and brothers, they made billets cut precisely from various timbers, to produce hammer handles skillfully using an axe, sledgehammer and wedge. Henry knew how to make an honest buck.

He began his work career at Central Electric and later worked for DeZurik, Inc. He learned about making valves; but he didn’t want to stay with that one thing. His curiosity led him to sales where he sold fire extinguishers. Not only was he mechanically skilled and now he sharpened his gift to gently persuade. Each place and experience was increasing his knowledge and skills. Henry ventured out from an employer to owning his own businesses. He laid lawns in new construction and later providing valve and piping services. Henry was unafraid to try something new, learn and expand. He continued to orchestrate new work adventures and opportunities until he created W.W. Construction Company where he would retire after decades of self-employment.

As much as Henry loved to learn, he cherished family. Being one of the younger brothers, he followed along to learn and do as they did. When Henry was about 9 years old, one of their adventures included killing a mountain lion. With such a large family, Henry enjoyed solitude to think and tinker and plan. He didn’t remain alone for long. He met Hattie Lynda as a young adult. And Henry’s keen nature found the love of his life and the girl his mom loved like one of her own daughters. They married in 1967 and to their union was born Henry’s next greatest loves with Calvin, Lanell and Angel. While Henry learned to be firm with Calvin and Lanell, Angel softened his heart and was a female reflection of his persuasiveness. Henry protected his immediate family as he had done before as the big brother to younger sisters Yvonne and Mary Lee.

Henry had a very close relationship with one his older brothers. They learned to make billets, grow tobacco and even conquer that mountain lion. Their relationship included Henry being the first taste tester for the Orbin’s fish fries. Henry loved Whiting fish and when he said “I think you got a lick right there – that’s some good stuff,” meant everyone could now eat. Their brothers’ close relationships could be heard when they gathered and the laughter would roar. The young runt of a brother once called Tim Dinky grew into an admirable man.

Henry leaves to cherish his memories his wife Hattie Lynda Wood of McMinnville, TN; sons Calvin Wallace Wood, Orlando, FL, Lanell Taylor Wood, Albuquerque, NM; daughter Angel Renne Wood-Mark, Tampa, Fl; grandchildren Jasmin (Mekhi) Majedi, Daunte Malcolm Wood, Landon Wood; bonus children Keith (Miller) Lillard, Jan Perkins, Joseph Richards; bonus grandchildren Jennifer Vanalyver, Alexi Stewart; siblings Dorothy Louise Ramsey, McMinnville , TN, Luther Glenn, McMinnville , TN, Orbin Wright (Sue Mae), McMinnville, TN, Catherine Frances Young, Cleveland, OH, Yvonne Constance Wood, Cleveland, OH, William Phillip Wood, Cleveland, OH, Paul Revere (Sharon) Wood, Cleveland, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Henry was a kind, gentle, joyful and happy dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his family, enjoyed travel and still liked a little tinkering. Henry had a big compassionate heart that beamed though his big smile right under his cowboy hat. His wisdom, generosity, loyalty, kindness and sweet spirit will be missed.

Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2026 in High's Chapel with Bro. Michael Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery @ Martin Charge in Warren County. Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at High's.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

May 13, 2026