Howard Kenneth " Woody" Wood Jr.

Howard K. Wood Jr., known to all as ‘Woody,’ passed away April 16, 2024. Woody was 76 and lived with his wife Brenda in The Villages, Florida. He was born on February 9, 1948 to Howard Sr. and Margaret Wood, twelve years younger than his only sister Charlotte. Growing up in rural Elkton, MD, he was known then as ‘HK,’ in order to differentiate him from his dad. He enhanced his appreciation for the outdoors through activities like hunting, fishing, and gardening as his father taught him. It was from within this simple environment where he gained the capabilities and appreciation for being a do-it-yourselfer. He first encountered Brenda Garvin in middle school and quickly became the one and only love of her life. Shared experiences in choirs and musical productions allowed them to grow more closely together. They ended up both attending West Chester University in Pennsylvania as music majors and Woody gained his lifelong accompanist, as well as someone to edit (OK, write) his papers for him. She managed to push him all the way through his master’s degree. For over thirty years Woody spent the majority of his career teaching and overseeing the choral and musical theater programs of Unionville High School, where was a beloved educator who went the extra mile for his students. His warmth and passion helped instill a love of music in so many of his students that many went on to pursue careers in the arts. Early in his career, he also participated as a performer in local theatrical musicals within the tri-state area surrounding southern Chester County PA. He remained active within the community and choral ensembles of Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, frequently performing at weddings and funerals. Many summers, Woody, Brenda, and the three kids would present special music at several area churches in that area. Woody and Brenda made a home for their three children in Kennett Square, PA. All through his career Woody kept projects going in the garage, even building a 2nd story deck off the back of the house one summer. He was the dutiful laborer, bringing Brenda’s design visions to bear, whether in the creation of a custom stained mantelpiece for their next home or an herb garden. The family remained in that area all the way into the early part of his retirement from teaching. Shortly after leaving teaching, Woody stayed busy working part-time at Longwood Gardens, capitalizing on his love of gardening. Woody was also a cancer survivor. Upon reflection, in the summer of 2011, with the kids graduated from college and off starting their own families, Woody and Brenda relocated to central Florida. Within the expansive, active community of The Villages, they were able to kindle new friendships, find a deeply sustaining new church community in Hope Lutheran, and reengage with hobbies and passions. Woody came full circle back to performing in Villages’ theatrical casts, appearing in such shows as “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Forever Plaid.” He also joined several choirs, including The Village Voices, Brothers in Song, and the Villages Pops Chorus. As a fun-loving artist and contributor, he left an indelible mark on scores of fellow actors, singers, instrumentalists, and directors over the decades. In early 2014, Woody and Brenda took on temporary leadership of the music ministries at Hope after a vacancy. Their willingness to step in kept the ensembles going through September of that year, until the point when their oldest son, Ken, relocated to take on the position permanently. Woody continued to offer guidance, leadership, his strong Tenor, occasional ornery rehearsal disruptions, an ear, and a work ethic toward excellence. Woody is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Brenda, and their three children, Ken, Ben, and Phoenix. He also has eight grandchildren: Howie and Zada (Ken & Carrie); Skylar, Eve, Andersen, and Diana (Ben & Kwi Lee); Lois and Wren (Phoenix). He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Sr. and Margaret, and his sister Charlotte. A celebration of his life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL. 32162 (at the corner of Morse Blvd. and 466). It takes place on Monday, May 6 at 10:00 am. Those wishing to send flowers are asked to do so through Beyers Funeral Home in advance of the service. Please call Beyers at (352) 753-4444. Memorial donations can also go toward the music department at Hope (352) 750-2321. A fellowship banquet for all in attendance will occur thereafter.

Howard Kenneth " Woody" Wood Jr.

February 9, 1948 - April 16, 2024