Francis Wood Obituary, Longtime Virginia radio DJ Francis Wood dies at age 68

Francis Wood Obituary, Death – Francis Eugene Wood, Jr., a well-known novelist from Virginia and a radio personality on WFLO, passed away in Charlottesville on August 21 at the age of 68. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. He was born in Buckingham, Virginia, to Mary Edna Clabo Wood, who passed away, and Francis Eugene Wood, who also passed away. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Chris Wood; his brother, Dwight Wood (Lisa), of Powhatan; his sister, Sandra Parker (Baker), of Suffolk; his sons; Camden Wood of Keysville and Daniel W. Kopczynski (Chris) of Richmond; stepdaughters, Laura Eways (Frank) of Charlottesville and Kate Todt (Brian) of Lake Monticello; stepson, Trey Hicks (Meg)

His life was full of so many interests, including his love of music and the happiness and fun that he offered to other people through his numerous bands, such as the Lanquids and Bermuda High. His life was filled to the brim with so many things that interested him. His favorite instrument was the guitar. He broadcasted his gorgeous and calming voice over the airwaves for a total of 52 years, with 50 of those years spent at WFLO in Farmville. Francis was elected to the position of president of the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) and served in that capacity for a period of two years. He was honored by the Veterans Affairs Board with the coveted C.T. Lucy award, and he later joined the Board as a lifetime member. Both the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame and the Prince Edward Academy/Fuqua School Nancy Haga Forensics Hall of Fame have recognized Francis’s accomplishments and inducted him into their respective halls of fame.

The WFLO/AM broadcast studio was given the honor of bearing his name in July. His commitment to serving his community was unwavering, as evidenced by the fact that he served on the Board of Directors at both the Centra Southside Community Hospital and the Moton Museum for a combined total of 18 years. Francis was a prolific writer who began writing at a young age and created a style that was uniquely his own. This style was refined through the Tip-of-the-Moon Publishing Company, which he and his wife, Chris, established in 1996 and which has published a total of 48 titles to this day. His novels have been recognized with printing honors, and the Farmville Herald has selected him Reader’s Choice for the past three years in a row.

Francis was an outspoken supporter of volunteer work in the community; he was also a dedicated father and husband; he had a deep love for the Lord; and he had no enemies. His smile was one of the brightest parts of his personality. Francis Wood was a humble and wise gentleman known for his ability to listen, observe, and speak with a combination of humility and wisdom. His passion for the outdoors, including camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, brought him a great deal of joy throughout his life. He attained the status of Master Naturalist. In the woods, he had complete independence. Everyone who knew him and loved him did so. He departed behind a tremendous legacy, and his contributions to the world will never be forgotten.

A memorial service honoring his life will be conducted on Sunday, September 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Fuqua upper school in Farmville. A reception will follow the service in the G. Price Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the ALS Hope Foundation, which can be sent to the following address: P.O. Box 40777, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107; the Southside SPCA, which can be sent to the following address: 7352 Patrick Henry Highway, Meherrin, Virginia 23954; or the charity of your choice. The family of Mr. Wood is being assisted by Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville.