Daniel Decatur Wood Jr.
September 13, 1953-April 14, 2023
Daniel Decatur Wood Jr. (69) of Charles City, left this world far too soon on April 14, 2023. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Lisa, his step children, Lauren Rhyne (John), Megan Porter (Danny), and Kyle Agee, his grandchildren Trey, Riley, Margaret, Mason, and Jensen. He is also survived by his daughter, Erin and sister Vivi Ann. Daniel was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the University of Oklahoma. He was a former Green Beret, and served his country with honor and valor. After the military, Daniel enjoyed a successful career in sales and marketing for over 30 years. He was an avid diver and diving instructor. After retirement, Daniel enjoyed helping his wife serve their community through the local food pantry. A memorial service will be held later this year in the fall, Daniel’s favorite time of year. In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to the Blessing Box program at the Promiseland Storehouse food pantry at plsva.org
Great American, and a very dear friend ….RIP Dan
Larger-than-life kind of guy and a great friend and roommate. Drove to Florida after our graduation from West Point to be in my wedding. Be thou at peace, Dan.
I was very sad to read of Dan’s passing, I was one of his roommates at USMA, miss you Dan and rest in peace, Endre
I didn’t know Dan well at USMA, but I remember him as a very outgoing and nice person, ever an optimist. I’m not surprised at all to read that Dan was in sales, as he had the perfect personality for interacting with people. And if I had known he lived in Charles County, I would have looked to get together as I live right over the Chickahominy River bridge in James City County. Thoughts and Prayers for Lisa and family from my family. May Dan forever rest in eternal peace.
Dan you will be greatly missed! You always had a smile and encouraging words for others! Be thou at peace!
I will always remember Dan as “Big Dan Wood” . That is how I called out to him every time I saw him. And. in return, he would reply, “Welllllll, Paaaaat Short, in his big heavy southern accent. A dear friend!!
A great man and a magnificent, endearing Classmate and friend, whose endless exuberance for life, intrepid spirit, infinite zeal, and unmatched professionalism embraced and empowered us all. Rest in eternal peace, Dan… mission complete!
May it be said, Well Done. Be thou at peace. Cadet life can be very challenging but I always remember Dan having a smile.
Dan and I were in Special Forces together although in different Groups. He was a fine man, a good soldier, and an exceptional human being. De Oppresso Liber, my friend…until Valhalla!
mark,
can you send me some contact information for yourself? Just want to connect with you on some stuff.
jack Keaton
1-586-915-2431
[email protected]
Hi Mark. I am Daniel’s widow. Would you mind getting in touch with me? I would greatly appreciate it.
I knew Dan from classes shared together at West Point and he was always very upbeat, positive with a can do type of personality. He was a team player and will be missed I am sure by all of those closest to him. Phase one mission complete and now onto his next adventure. Well Done!
Dan and I were company mates at West Point. Dan had a larger-than-life personality and constantly cheery disposition. His unmistakable North Carolinian accent (“I’m from Bryson City, NC!”) brought smiles to the faces of all who heard him. Always willing to help a friend in need. Dan will be missed. Be thou at peace.
Dan, rest in peace, our brother. Your incredible spirit carried you and all of us through the Academy in a truly Southern way! Thanks for your service to our great nation.
See you someday on the high ground overlooking the objective!!
Mike (Hubie) Hughes
Class of 1977
Dan, you deserve peaceful rest after all you’ve done to make this a better world! I’ll miss your enjoyable drawl and great smile that matched your generosity and character of courage and integrity! Gripping hands with our classmates as we say, “We’ll Done… Be Thou at Peace!” Save a spot for us in that gray spot in Heaven… ‘77 is esprit de corps! Les
God gave us Dan.
He represented all the happiness of Esprit de Corps.
I always smiled when I heard his voice.
Grip hand lads.
He has met his maker.
He smiles on and with us.
Peace be with us.
Esprit de Corps!
My favorite meme pet if Dan was at Airborne school in June ‘75. Larger than life, and gave as well as he got to the black hats. Undoubtedly he’s calling cadence in heaven.
I am a classmate of Dan’s from Bryson City, NC. I will remember him fondly. I am sorry for the entire family’s loss.
High School class of 71 with DD we had a lot of fun times. Rest in Peace after a life well lived. Be sure and salute Mr. Cook for me.
Lifting all your family in Prayer.
I was a classmate and old friend from Bryson City. Our mothers taught school together. DD will be remembered as a gentle man who could be tough when needed. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Rest in peace dear friend. Prayers for the family.
I was a high school classmate of DD, class of ‘71. Just now hearing of his passing. I have only fond memories of DD and his family.
He always had a big smile for everyone. Rest in peace dear friend.
I am sorry for having taken so long to add my input and insight to the comments being posted regarding Dan. He was a special someone whose qualities and attributes made him unforgettable. I, too was as G4 company mate, roomed across the hall from Dan. He was outgoing and friendly, called me “Tommy” right from the start of knowing him, like we were raised together as brothers. For a big, strong man he was also a kind and gentle man, very well-mannered in the southern tradition of his North Carolina upbringing. He could infect you with his smile, it was contagious. Simply put – he was beautiful.
We give him back to You, O Lord,
Who first gave him to us.
And, as You did not lose him in the giving,
So, we do not lose him in the return.
And, while You prepare a place for us,
As You have promised,
Prepare us also for that happy place.
Where You are, we wish also to be,
With those we have lost in life.
Amen
MAY WE SEE HIM AGAIN IN ETERNITY
Daniel D (pronounced “DEEEEE”) Wood was my roommate all of freshman year at West Point. Very irregular – but that is what we were at the time. He and I had some interesting times in Philadelphia and up and down the Hudson Valley. I am sure he is creating more interesting times now. RIP Dan!!