Sammy Jay Wood, age 77, passed away on December 30, 2024, at his home in DeFuniak Springs.
Sammy was born in DeFuniak Springs on January 15, 1947, to Pershing Wood and Irma Drake Wood. He grew up in Gaskin, Florida, and attended Gaskin School through the 9th grade. He graduated from Walton High School in 1965 and attended Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, where he later completed his Associate Degree.
Sammy married Betty Sue Truett in 1967, and they had two children, Michelle in 1971 and Michael in 1973.
In March of 1968, Sammy joined the United States Army and served for three years. Upon his discharge, he returned home to DeFuniak Springs and worked at Piggly Wiggly before beginning his career at L&H Automotive, where he worked for more than 20 years. In 1995, Sammy joined the Walton Correctional Institution as a Correctional Officer and worked for 17 years before retiring as a Sergeant.
Sammy enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and taking care of yardwork at their home in Ten Lakes Estates, where you would rarely find a stick or pinecone on the ground. He had a gentle spirit and was a hard worker, always full of energy. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially gathering together for a good Sunday lunch. He was Christian by faith and raised his family in the Community Holiness Church in DeFuniak Springs with Pastor Lonnie Forehand.
Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, Pershing and Irma Wood; his sister, Catherine Hahn Wood; his brother, John Pershing Wood; and his daughter, Michelle Renee Wood.
Sammy is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Betty Sue Wood; his son, Michael Wood of DeFuniak Springs; his step-mother Pearl Ann Wood of Auburn, Alabama; sister Susan Danley and husband Jack of Samson, Alabama; brother Paul Wood and wife Amy of Panama City Beach, Florida; sister Helen Albano and husband Mike of Oviedo, Florida; sister Valinda Johnson and husband Randy of Valley, Alabama; sister Rebekah Lloyd of Opelika, Alabama; and grandchildren Tyler Wood and wife Nicole, Gracie Wood and Jacob Wood of DeFuniak Springs. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025, at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home (230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL), with funeral services at 2:00 PM. Graveside services will follow at Limestone Cemetery in Darlington, Florida.
Pallbearers will be Shelby Truett, Bryan Truett, Danny Danley, Eric Danley, Tyler Wood and Jacob Wood.
Flowers are being accepted, or you may make donations to the charity of your choice in his name.