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David Edward Wood, beloved husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024 in Richmond, VA. Survivors include Shari, his wife of 42 years; son Travis Wood; daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Oliver Smith; granddaughter Olivia Smith; nieces Ashley Lubetkin and Lizette Ellman; cousins Jane Cleary, Lindy Scott, Alvin Kolp, and Harriet Eakin; and many amazing friends. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Olive and George Wood, several wonderful aunts and uncles, and his cousin, Johnny Scott. David was born on January 23, 1940, in Portsmouth, Ohio, and grew up there. He earned the Eagle Scout Award, and at that time was the youngest to achieve that recognition. In high school, he was a member of the track team. Upon graduating from Portsmouth High School in 1958, David attended University of Cincinnati, where he was an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Manager of the UC Bearcats Football Team, and part of the UC Business Co-op Program, where he completed an internship with Peat Marwick Mitchell (now KPMG) and was hired as an Auditor. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. From 1963-1966, David proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, completing two tours in Vietnam. He was one of only four men in his platoon of 75 to survive. David was Honor Man of his platoon and earned the Rifle Badge Marksman and National Defense Medal. After serving in the Marine Corps, David returned to Cincinnati where he was founder and partner in Alexander’s Tavern for several years. In 1974, he opened Uncle Woody’s campus pub, which has been in operation for 50 years, and David is still affectionately known as the original “Uncle Woody”. In 1979, David moved to Dallas, Texas, and returned to his accounting career. He met Shari in 1981 and they were married for 42 years, starting their family in Plano, and then moving to Cincinnati in 1991, where he was an active member of Isaac M. Wise Temple for 31 years and worked for the City of Cincinnati in the Income Tax Department for 15 years before retiring. In 2022, David and Shari moved to Midlothian, Virginia, to be closer to Sarah and Oliver, and Travis also moved there a year later, much to David’s delight. In August 2023, David was thrilled to become a grandfather to Olivia. David loved all sports, especially his beloved University of Cincinnati Bearcats, the Cincinnati Reds and Indy 500 races. He had a passion for music–Classic Rock and Roll and Rhythm and Blues. He also enjoyed many fun adventures traveling with his family and good friends. David will be greatly missed by his loving family and many wonderful friends. Graveside services were held at 10 AM on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, at Temple Emanu-El Cemetery, 3430 Howell Street. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 2:30PM, with visitation at 1:30PM at Weil Kahn Funeral Home, 8350 Cornell Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45249. Service will be LIVESTREAMED https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/embed_viewer/104849. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Jewish National Fund, Isaac M. Wise Temple, or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

David Edward Wood

January 23, 1940 - August 30, 2024