William Allyn "Bill" Wood

William A. "Bill" Wood, age 90, of Bristol Lake, Dowling passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2017. Bill was born in Battle Creek on May 4, 1926, the son of William Jr. and Ruby (Clinton) Wood. Bill was a 1944 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, and attended Michigan State College, Argubright Business College, and graduated from Kellogg Community College in 1969. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946, serving in the Pacific Theater and took part in the Battle of Okinawa.

Bill was employed by Bill Wood Auto Service during high school and again after the War. He was also employed at Oliver Aviation and retired from Consumers Power Co. in 1987 after 34 years. After retiring, Bill worked for Wild Bird's Unlimited and Lakeview Hardware.

Bill married Betty E. "Tutu" Keagle on September 7, 1946; she preceded him in death on August 24, 2004. He is survived by a daughter, Wendy L. (James) Gorham of Hastings; sons, William T. (Elizabeth) Wood of Modesto, CA, Thomas C. (Faye) Wood of Atlantic Beach, FL, and John "Rusty" (Eve) Wood of Dowling; grandchildren, Chris Wood, William Wood, Nicholas Wood, Kelly Wood, Ashley Ruffead, Rachel Wood, and Seage Gorham; 2 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Pamella Wood of Fredonia, WI. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Phillys (Wood) Sampson.

Bill was a member of the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek for more than 60 years and a former member of the Battle Creek Jaycees, where he was a State VP and a National Director for the US Jaycees. He enjoyed volunteering at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Kellogg Manor House and the First Congregational Church. Bill also enjoyed traveling, antiquing, sharing time with family & friends, and life at Bristol Lake.

A memorial open house to celebrate Bill's life was held Monday, February 13th at Lakeview Hardware. Interment with full military honors will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Alzheimer's Association - Michigan Great Lakes Chapter 350 East Michigan Ave. Suite 20 Kalamazoo, MI 49007or http://www.alz.org/mglc/. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.