Gary Wood, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the age of 87. Visitation will be Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 5pm-8pm and Friday, August 21, 2026 from 10am-11am at Magnolia Funeral Home - East. A Celebration of Life will be at 11am Friday, August 21, 2026 at Magnolia Funeral Home - East. Interment will be in Magnolia Gardens. Bro. Jason Roberts will officiate the service with Johnny Zinzer and B. J. Cougle delivering family comments and eulogy. 

Gary was born on April 28, 1939, in Williston, North Dakota, to Dane N. Wood and Winnifred Wood-Tucker. In his younger years, Gary proudly served in the National Guard. Gary spent many years working at Allied Signal in Torrance, California, where he met his sweetheart, Brenda. The two married in June 1990 and shared many wonderful years together. After retirement, Gary moved to Corinth, Mississippi, where he later worked at Briggs Wholesale. While working there, he became affectionately known as “Papa Smurf,” a nickname that reflected the fun and memorable personality that so many people loved. Gary was known and liked by everyone he met. He was a good friend to many and had a special gift for giving everyone he knew a nickname. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge 2573, where he enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards, and especially poker. Gary loved life and lived it to the fullest. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, dirt bike riding, playing cards, poker, darts, pool, and dominoes. He loved fish fries, grilling, and spending time in his beloved man cave. In his younger years, Gary was known as the life of every party—and usually the last one to leave. But above all else, Gary was a family man. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren were truly the apple of his eye, and he cherished every moment he spent with them. His love, laughter, friendship, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Brenda; his children, Lori Anne Wood, Brenda Michele Zinzer (Johnny), and BJ Cougle (Jennifer); and his grandchildren, Cory Alan Bennett, Miranda Otsuka, Oliver Santana, Alex Cougle, and Mary Kenway Cougle;  4 great grandchildren; along with other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Shelby N Sandoval-Jackson; his father, Dane N. Wood; and his mother, Winnifred Wood-Tucker.

Gary leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless friendships, and a family who loved him dearly. His laughter, his nicknames, his stories, and his larger-than-life personality will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will be loved, remembered, and missed forever

Magnolia Funeral Home has been honored to serve the family of Mr. Gary Wood.