Roger Albert Franklin Wood

Roger Albert Franklin Wood, 80, of Altavista died Thursday, November 30, 2023. He was the husband of Linda A. Rodriguez for 13 years. He was born March 15, 1943 in Augusta County, a son of the late Albert Louis Wood and Hazel Irene Fisher Wood. He was a member of St. Victoria's Catholic Church and the American Legion. Roger was a bass singer most recently with Solid Rock3, a Texas State Trooper and Abilene town police officer, former owner of Walton's Mountain Country Store, and owned a security company. He was a proud member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. Roger was a USAF Vietnam veteran serving as a Kaman HH-43 Helicopter pilot for Air Search and Rescue in 1964, 1965, and 1966 and received various medals including two Silver Stars. He did motorcycle rides to all 50 states, plus the Trail of Tears and Rolling Thunder to DC for several years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Zane Wood and his wife, Cristie of Stuarts Draft, Edward Nelson-Rodriguez (whom he loved as his own son) and his wife, Holly Nelson of Lynch Station; two brothers, Vernon Wood and his wife, Barbara of Amherst; Thomas Carroll Wood of Baton Rouge, LA ; two sisters, Joyce Lawson and her husband, Jesse of Ruckersville, and Wanda Carpenter and her husband, Craig of Charlottesville; three grandchildren, Leah Wood, Liv Nelson-Rodriguez and Payton Nelson; and one great-grandchild, Aeroleena Nelson. He is survived by many other nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Dwight Wood. The family wishes to give a special thanks to Rev. Jim Gallager and Deacon John Carey as well as Rev. Jim Critchley for their support. A Celebration of Life service and mass will be conducted at St. Victoria Catholic Church by Father James Gallagher and Deacon John Carey on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm with a reception to follow in the church hall. The American Legion Post will do the flag honors. The family suggests that memorials be considered for St. Victoria Catholic Church, P.O. Box 640, Hurt, VA 24563 or American Legion Altavista Memorial Post 36, P.O. Box 153, Altavista, VA 24517. Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Albert Franklin Wood

March 15, 1943 - November 30, 2023