Johnny Merl Wood

Johnny Merl Wood

June 13, 1950 – May 14, 2023

“Let me show you how it’s done…”

--JMW

After a lengthy and courageous battle with lymphoma, Johnny Merl Wood was called from labor and laid down his working tools in Burleson, Texas May 14, 2023 - just in time to have breakfast with his mom on Mother’s Day.

Johnny was born in Hillsboro, Texas June 13, 1950, to Billy Merl Wood and Ada Kathryn Cockrum Wood. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Sherry, and beloved niece Whitney. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Sharna Wood, of Grandview, Texas, daughter Carrie Flores, son in law David Flores and precious twin granddaughters Kamryn and Kylee Flores of Grandview, daughter Autumn Wood and son in law Eric Wood of Round Rock, brother Terry Wood, sister in law Liskin Wood, and nephew Hunter Wood, also of Grandview. Johnny also leaves behind many friends and colleagues, all of whom held him in high regard and respect. If love alone could have saved him, he would have lived forever.

Johnny was the embodiment of a hard-working man, and even his hobbies of raising cattle, baling hay, and hunting looked a lot like work, but riding around on his big red tractor was one of his favorite pastimes. His first job was a paper route at the age of 9, the fact of which he rarely failed to remind us, even though he later subcontracted said paper route to his younger brother Terry.

Johnny graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1968, and began attending Hill Junior College with the intent to become an aerospace engineer, but the siren song of working alongside his dad turning wrenches in the service department at King Charlie Hillard Ford in Fort Worth soon won out. Aside from two brief attempts at retirement, Johnny worked in the automotive industry until December of 2021, when he left his position as Parts and Service Director at AutoNation Ford Fort Worth.

Johnny was a man of few words, such that when he did speak, people listened. He led quietly by example and mentored innumerable automotive technicians, service advisors, and managers over a career that spanned 5 decades. He loved seeing people learn and grow into their best selves and held everyone to a high standard. He was known for his generosity, keen sense of humor, infectious smile – and his brisket smoking skills that to the delight of us all he showcased for many years on his favorite holiday, the 4th of July.

Johnny was also a longtime member of Cooke-Peavey Lodge #1162 in Fort Worth.

If you feel moved to do so, memorial donations to Johnny’s favorite charities can be made at the following:  Shriner’s Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org ), St. Jude (www.stjude.org ), or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).

Per his request, instead of a traditional service, the family is hosting a barbeque and celebration of a life well lived at his home in Grandview on the afternoon of Saturday, June 10, 2023. For details and to RSVP, please email johnnymwood@gmail.com by June 4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU8BqHHx3QI

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