August 8, 2025, 89, Goldsboro —
Francis Earl Wood, 89, passed away peacefully early Friday morning at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Earl was born in Craven County on October 13, 1935, to the late C.W. and Cynthia Wood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Randy Earl Wood and David DeWayne Wood; brothers, Leslie Carrol Wood and Curbia Whitford Wood; and sisters, Peggy Joyce Wood James, Faye Shelton Wood Suggs, and Marjorie Dare Wood Waters.
Earl had a strong work ethic and a deep love for the land. Farming was not just his livelihood—it was his way of life. Whether tending his cows and hogs, working the fields, or lending a hand wherever needed, Earl played an important role in keeping the family farm thriving. He took pride in knowing that the land he worked would continue to bless generations to come.
Alongside his wife, Jean, Earl also operated a service station in La Grange for many years. Known for their friendly smiles and genuine care, they made everyone feel welcome. Earl never met a stranger—if you didn’t know him when you walked in, you were likely a friend by the time you left. Many of those friendships were nurtured over conversations at Ken’s Grill or BJ’s, two of his favorite gathering places.
When he wasn’t farming or visiting with friends, Earl could often be found fishing at his favorite spot, enjoying the peace and simple joy it brought him.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange. A service celebrating Earl’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service on Tuesday at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Jean Newsome Wood; children, Diane Wood Sutton, Jeffery Wood, and Angela Wood; grandchildren, Kristen Sutton Tingen, Garrett Wood Sutton, David Alec Wood, Randy Clifton Wood, Arrin Wood Herring, Ethan Dale Wood, Justin David Smith, and Benjamin Earl Smith; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Ann Wood Smith, Dalthia O’Neal Wood Eason, and Linda Kay Wood Taylor; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members he loved dearly.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Gentiva Hospice in Goldsboro for their compassionate care, with special thanks to Kelly Twiggs Dawson for her dedicated service and kindness.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made in his memory to White Oak Grove O.F.W.B. Church, c/o Janet Brown, 1794 Jenny Lind Road, La Grange, NC 28551.
Services are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, NC.
