John (Jack) Marcus Wood, Jr

John Marcus "Jack" Wood, Sr., age 87, departed this life on June 26, 2026, in Corinth, Mississippi. He was born on July 27, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late John Marcus and Emma Irene Wolf Wood.

On October 21, 1967, Jack married the love of his life, Judy Plunk Wood. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing on November 18, 2010.

Jack was a dedicated and hardworking man whose career reflected his strong work ethic and love for serving others. He worked for 25 years at General Electric before retiring in 1998. Over the years, he also worked at the Amoco Station in Selmer, served at Shackelford Funeral Directors in the early 1960s, and spent 20 years as a substitute teacher with the McNairy County Board of Education.

Beyond his work, Jack devoted much of his time to his community. He taught Hunter Safety courses in McNairy County for many years, helping educate generations of young outdoorsmen. When he was able, he enjoyed tending a vegetable garden and looked forward to weekly meals at Smoky Joe's and El Palomino. If you were looking for Jack on UT-Knoxville game day, you didn't have to look far—he was probably wearing Tennessee orange and convincing everyone the Vols would pull it off this year.

Jack and Judy were known for their generous hearts and welcoming home. Judy became a beloved babysitter for countless children, and Jack loved every one of them. Their home was a place of laughter, fun, and cherished memories—a gathering place where children always felt welcome.

Many friends and neighbors will remember seeing Jack sitting in his favorite rocking chair in the yard, watching the world go by and offering a friendly wave to everyone who passed.

As a young child, Jack contracted polio, leaving him with lifelong physical challenges. However, he never allowed those obstacles to define him. Through determination, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit, he built a life centered on hard work, providing for his family, and enjoying every opportunity life offered. He was known for his strong work ethic, his stubborn streak, and, above all, his genuine love for people.

Jack is survived by his son, John Marcus Wood III and wife, Stacy, of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; his granddaughter, Lauren Upright and husband, Cameron, of Selmer, Tennessee; his grandson, John Bradley Wood of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; three great-grandchildren, Greyson, Keaton, and Beckham Upright; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish his memory.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Wood, and two sisters, Mildred Cotner and Grace Joyner.

Jack's life wasn't measured by wealth or titles but by the people he loved, the work he did, and the lives he touched. He leaves behind a front porch that feels a little quieter, a rocking chair that's now empty, and a community that is better for having known him. His family takes comfort in knowing that somewhere beyond this life, he's probably found a good rocking chair, a garden that never quits producing, and a place where Tennessee always wins on Saturdays.