George’s life began December 26, 1928, in Hartford, Michigan. He grew up and lived most of his life in Watervliet where he graduated high school. George loved being from a small town and was a strong believer in supporting everything his community had to offer. You could see this through his countless hours volunteering for Watervliet Community Hospital, Watervliet Knights of Columbus working bingo, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet working luncheons and replacing candles, or St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery replacing perpetual candles. George retired from Watervliet Paper Mill, before working there he also worked for Whirlpool and as a milk man. Outside of his “regular” job you could find George farming his 30 acres or just enjoying using his tractor.
Above everything George loved spending time with his family including: four children Carol Vance (Anita Oldham), Cheryl Clayton, George Wood Jr., and Ken Wood; 10 grandchildren, Eric Clayton, Jason (Hanna) Clayton, Bryan Clayton, Michael (Michelle) Wood, Cori Wood (Mike), Kim (Rob) Kreitner, Bert (Kam) Vance, Marc Vance, Matt (Angel) Vance, and Dawn (Yuji) Vance; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
George died Saturday, June 26, 2021, at home surrounded by family.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty (Yates) Wood, grandson Anthony Wood, son-in-law Joe Clayton, daughter-in-law Sandy Wood; his parents, Frederick and Faye (LaPorte) Wood; and four sisters, Mary Rutter, Patricia Newcomb, Betty Mendenhall, and Dolores Kietzer.
Friends may visit with George’s family Friday, July 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 7:30 p.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet.
Memorials may be made in George’s memory to Watervliet Fire Department or North Berrien Senior Center. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for George’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.
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