Clyde Lesley Wood

Clyde Lesley Wood of Water Valley passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at the age of 66, while at the hospital in Tupelo. He had fought the ravages of scleroderma for a long four years.

Mr. Wood was born October 31, 1952, at Ruleville, Mississippi to the late Clyde E. “Pete” Wood and Mildred Patridge Wood of Moorhead, MS. He was a graduate of Indianola Academy and Mississippi Delta Junior College at Moorhead, and attended Mississippi State. Prior to his early retirement for health reasons, he was employed as a new project supervisor for O’Reilly Auto Parts, Springfield, Missouri, and traveled to almost every state.

He received many letters of commendation from the district and regional managers whose stores received his special touch. Clyde was later invited to attend the national convention at Springfield, where he was recognized as a “legend,” not only for his work ethic, but because his jovial attitude and infectious laugh made work fun. Many of the hundreds of work friends he made have continued to stay in touch, particularly Richard Furr and Joe Edwards.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Wood of Water Valley; two sons,Wes Wood (Selena) of Vicksburg, and Will Wood (Stephanie) of Brandon, a stepson, Jeff Gooch (Jennifer) of Collierville, Tennessee; a daughter-in-law, Jill Matkins Gooch of New Albany, and eight beloved grandchildren, Breland and Luke Wood of Brandon; Carrie Lynn and Cristan Wood of Vicksburg; Morgan and Jordan Gooch of New Albany, and Ian and Noah Mercer of Collierville. He was predeceased by his parents and a step-son Michael Gooch of New Albany, with whom he shared many of his hobbies and tall tales. He was a very warm and caring person and particularly loved his wife’s four sisters, Katherine Ingram, Doris Reedy, Willie Ruth Savell and Joyce Anthony, and his Aunt Linda and her daughter, Patricia Farrish of Batesville.

Always a prankster and a big talker with a contagious laugh, Clyde easily made friends after their move to Water Valley, “Watermelon Carnival Weekend” ten years ago. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Water Valley and loved the years he was able to attend Sunday School classes “with the old men” in Dr. Odom’s class.

Mr. Wood truly loved working in the yard; he had a green thumb and loved collecting unique plants, many of which he would carefully pack into his suitcase when returning from a trip – and they would flourish among the hundreds of flowers, shrubs and trees planted in the yard. An avid collector of native American artifacts and World War II memorabilia, he loved sharing stories of his father’s legacy of service during World War II with all the boys and a favorite nephew, Everette Wilkerson of Macon, Georgia.

He will be truly missed. A celebration of life will be held at his home on Saturday, May 18, at 11:30. Friends and family are invited to attend the scattering of the ashes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Baptist Children’s Village, Post Office Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060, or an animal shelter of your choice.