Memorial service for Frank Wood
4/26/2017
WOOD, Frank Evans, 87, passed away Good Friday, April 14, 2017. He was born in Canton OH and moved to the Pittsburgh area as a child. A man of great intellect, he graduated from the University of Rochester in Chemical Engineering where he played varsity soccer; University of Delaware, Masters in Chemical Engineering; and Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon), MBA. A lifelong learner, he audited classes at VCU for 20 years. He worked on rocket igniters at Redstone Arsenal while in the military; worked for Proctor and Gamble, Pillsbury, General Mills, and the National Episcopal Church. He moved to Richmond to work for Reynolds Metals in market research, finishing his working career with the Department of Medical Assistance Services (Medicaid) for the Commonwealth of Virginia, retiring in 1994. An Eagle Scout, he retained his commitment to Scouting throughout his life in various positions. He joined Toastmasters International in 1958 and continued a member until his death, attaining the designation of DTM. He combined his interest in Boy Scouts and Toastmasters by establishing the Boy Scouts’ Patrick Henry program. Always a person of varied interests, he was a docent at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a Board member of Offender Aid and Restoration, and US China Peoples Friendship Association, a volunteer with Prisoner Visitation and Support, active in Friendship Force, Moral Rearmament (now Initiatives of Change), sang with the Richmond Symphony Chorus, and danced with Spares and Pairs Square Dance Club. He was a volunteer driver for The Shepherd Center and regularly attended Open University classes. Always an avid traveler, he was proud to have visited all seven continents. His early competitive spirit was evident in his tennis game and he was proud that he won the overall men’s championship at Three Chopt Recreation Club the year he turned 60. He jogged, played handball at the Downtown Y, and worked diligently for the last three years with his trainers at Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation. A faithful Episcopalian all his life, he was among those who founded Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care (VIPCare). Frank was a constant presence at St. Bartholomew’s since moving to Richmond. He was the driving force behind the Sudanese Refugee ministry at St. Bart’s, was a former Junior Warden, layreader and Church School teacher, and he sang in the choir from the day of its forming until the Sunday before his passing. He is survived by his wife, Jill; children Tom (Susan), Hank (Karen), Carrie Gummerson (Bill), Sarah Scott, John (Randi), his faithful South Sudanese son, William Deng; his brother Henry (Corinne); nine grandchildren, Andrew and Katie Wood; Nathan (Megan), Maddie and Thomas Wood; Meredith and Emma Gummerson; Jonathon “JJ” and Matthew Wood; one great grandson, Uriah Mykel Wood; as well as nieces and nephews whom he loved. Visitation with the family will be Friday, April 28, 2017, from 5 until 8 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s, 10627 Patterson Avenue, Henrico 23238, and a celebration of his life will be held at the church Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Frank requested donations to St. Bart’s Music Program (mailing address: PO Box 29626, Henrico 23242.)
