Martin Wesley "Big Marty" Wood, passed away at his home in Jasper, FL. on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 following a lengthy illness.

Marty celebrated his 75th birthday on December 7, 2020. He was born in 1945 to the late Kenneth and Doris Vann Wood of Jasper. Marty joined the United States Army in December of 1962 fresh out of high school and went right into training for aircraft maintenance. The Wood brothers were no strangers to engines and it seemed a natural gig for him. He excelled in the military but there was this gal back at home that held his heartstrings and Vonnie Griffin was the one he set his mind to marry. He took her as his bride on August 18th, 1963 and she remained his faithful companion for 57 1/2 beautiful years together. After 21 years of working in the propane business for others, he and Vonnie opened their own business in Jasper. Though the names have changed, the business is still in existence and is owned and operated by Marty, Jr. In addition, to being a successful business owner, Marty took on the job of being Vonnie's sound technician and driver during the time that she toured the United States during her recording career. Marty was a wonderful father and grandfather. He and Vonnie seldom missed a race when their son was going to be on the racetrack. He, Big Marty, laughing and cheering Marty Jr. on, while Vonnie covered her eyes every time she anticipated a wreck on the track. He cherished the moments he got to spend with his arms around his beautiful daughter Stephanie before she got to the age that it was no longer cool for Daddy to put his arms around her in public. Marty was an active member of the V.F.W Post 8095. He and Vonnie were active members of the First Baptist Church in Jasper, FL. as long as his health permitted. Marty was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, LaFayette Wood.

Survivors include his wife, Vonnie Griffin Wood of Jasper; his son, Martin W. "Marty" Wood, Jr. and his wife Nikki of Jasper, FL.; his daughter, Stephanie Wood Mills and her husband, Tim of Murphy, N.C.; his two brothers, Tommy Wood (Sandra) and Pete Wood (Shirley); three grandchildren, Courtney Hodges (David, Jr.), Christopher Wood and Victoria Wood; and three great grandchildren, Lee Hodges, Matt Hodges and Holt Hodges.

Graveside services were  held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, FL. with Pastor Roger Hutto officiating. His service to his country was recognized with the playing of TAPS and the presentation of the American flag by Billy Jackson and Lamar Royals.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice, 7520 West University Ave, Gainesville, FL. 32607 or to First Baptist Church, 207 N.E. 2nd Street, Jasper, FL. 32052.

Note from the children and grandchildren

We love you, Daddy and Papa. You did a great job. Rest now; We've got it from here.

Due to the ongoing Pandemic, CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 in regards to masks and social distancing must be followed.