Jack Benny Wood
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Jack Benny Wood of Oak Ridge, TN passed away on May 19, 2021 at the age of 79. He is survived by sons Ron (Janet) Wood of Atlanta, GA, Dave Wood of Slidell, LA, Rob (Tricia) Wood of Denham Springs, LA, Scott and Chad Wood of Knoxville, TN, stepdaughter April Wood (Ric) Henderson of Dauphin Island, AL, his grandchildren Dave Wood of Orlando, FL, and Sean and Kaylie Wood of Denham Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Henrietta Scott Wood of Pascagoula, MS, who owned and operated Woodie's Drive-in there for many years. A special legacy is that he was proud grandson to Fredrick N. Scott (d. 1934) of Escatawpa, MS, renowned local poet who possessed an affectionate moniker, the Mississippi Nightingale. Family claims have always affirmed that Scott was original author of the lyrics to "Sixteen Tons", having given the poem away with a handshake to credit never granted.
Jack graduated from Moss Point High in 1960, where he counted among his friends former US Senator Trent Lott (R-MS). He served our country in the US Navy as a sonar technician from 1961-1965 aboard the destroyer class USS Mitscher (DL-2), where his fleet provided cover during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Subsequent to his military service, Jack settled in Jackson, MS and lived there for many years working as traveling salesman. He was married four times; the first being to his high school sweetheart, Diane, mother of sons Ron, Dave, and Rob. He then married Ruth, April's mom. His third marriage to Fran yielded sons Scott and Chad. He wed Martha Babb-Bailey of Clinton, TN, in 2001.
Jack suffered a debilitating stroke in August of 2012 and has since resided at NHC Oak Ridge, where he received rehabilitation and comforting care. The family will honor his wishes by not having a traditional burial service. Cremation was handled by Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann of Knoxville, TN. Jack will eventually find a quiet resting space next to his mom and dad at their burial location in Escatawpa. In lieu of flowers or other tributes, donations to NHC Oak Ridge in his name would be most appreciated by the family. Arrangements by Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.