John Wood

It is with hearts overflowing with love and gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of a man who wore many names — John, Deli, Woody — each one a testament to the many lives JOHN WARDELL WOOD touched and the warmth he carried wherever he went. Born on May 1, 1935, John graced this world for 90 beautiful years before departing on April 6, 2026. John was brought into this world as the eldest of nine children born to John Daniel and Ruth Tolson Wood, a distinction he wore with quiet pride his entire life. Raised in the countryside, young Woody found his greatest joy working side by side with his father on the farm — early mornings, rich soil, and the honest labor of the land shaping the hardworking and devoted man he would become. He received his education at Richmond County High School, where the foundations of his character were further formed. After his school years, Wardell found his first great love in Ruth Thompson, whom he married and cherished. Together they were blessed with two beautiful children, Sheila and Johnny — his pride and joy, the first chapters of his enduring legacy of love. At the age of 19, Woody made his way to the city - Baltimore, rolling up his sleeves and embracing every opportunity that came his way. From working as a security guard to mastering the trades of home improvement, he never shied away from honest work. It was his dedication and steady hands that eventually landed him a long and distinguished career as a crane operator at Bethlehem Steel of Sparrows Point. For 42 remarkable years, he showed up with the same quiet determination, retiring with honor in 1996 — a legacy of reliability and craftsmanship that few could match. Life and love smiled upon Deli again in 1975 when he crossed paths with the remarkable Tillie. What began as a meeting of souls blossomed into a deep and abiding love, and on September 5, 1981, the two were united in marriage. Through this beautiful union, John’s heart grew even fuller, welcoming Archaletta and Yolanda as two additional pieces of his heart — a family that grew not just in number, but in boundless love. The 30 years that followed retirement were perhaps the most golden of all. John embraced every moment with zest and gratitude — traveling alongside his beloved wife, joyfully attending family gatherings and reunions, making sentimental pilgrimages back to his home in the country, casting a line on quiet mornings of fishing, stalking the woods during hunting season, and perhaps most of all, simply kickin’ back with family and friends. He was a man who knew how to live, how to love, and how to make every room feel like home. Above all, John was the patriarch of his family — the steady anchor around whom all others found their footing. Heled not with loud commands, but with a quiet strength that spoke louder than words ever could. Rooted in a strong and unwavering faith, he modeled for his children and grandchildren what it looks like to live with integrity, humility, and grace. His faith was not merely something he professed; it was something he lived, day in and day out, in the way he loved his family, served others, and faced life’s every season. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Ruth Wood, brother Albert Percell Wood and daughter Yolanda Owens. John leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Tillie; his children, Sheila, Johnny and Arcaletta; his grandchildren, Volante, Brandon, Alycia; his great-grandchildren Delvasz, De’lea’yah, Jordan, Aliyah, Haley, Jubilee, Storm, Shaniyah, William and Joseph; his dear siblings, Allen, Howard (Vivian), Irene (Thomas), Leroy (Alice), Bill (Gloria), Pernell (Theresa), Mitch (Iris) and Larry (Ethel); and a wide and wonderful circle of family and friends whose lives are richer for having known him. A good man. A loving husband. A proud father. A faithful friend. May he rest in the peace and love he so freely gave to others.

Tributes

John Wood

May 1, 1935 - April 6, 2026