1928
2016
Rev. Dr. F. Emerson Wood, 88, of Huntington, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children at Hospice House of Huntington on July 25 following an extended illness. Dr. Wood was born in Herndon, WV, the sixth of seven children, to V. Lacy and Ada McKinney Wood. In 1949 he married B.J. Meadows Wood, his lifelong love and soul mate. Their love created four children: Jerry of Huntington; Mark (and Grey) of Charleston; Cheryl (and Michael Myers) of Denver; Chris (and Lisa) of Elkins, as well as 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1955, received a Master of Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology in 1958, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from WV Wesleyan in 1973. Dr. Wood served 43 years as a United Methodist minister, pastoring several congregations throughout West Virginia including the Parkersburg, Wheeling and Huntington areas. From 1978 until his retirement in 1996 he served as the senior pastor of his beloved Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church where he was named pastor emeritus at his retirement. His close friend, Governor Cecil Underwood, asked him to found and then serve as executive director of Mission West Virginia, Inc., a not-for-profit working with community and faith based organizations. Dr. Wood was an advocate for peace and equality. Among his many notable accomplishments, he joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and thousands of others in the Selma March in 1965; founded the Human Rights Commission in Wheeling; served on the United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race; elected a trustee at West Virginia Wesleyan College, Alice Lloyd College and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio; and was instrumental in the establishment of Ebenezer Community Outreach Center and the expansion of the Huntington City Mission. In 2003 he was awarded the Governor's Martin Luther King, Jr. "Living the Dream" Peace Award, and was inducted in 2013 to the Huntington Wall of Fame. His life was devoted to faith, family and social justice. Visitation will be on Friday, July 29 from 5:30-7:30 at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church. A memorial service will occur on Saturday, July 30 at 1:00 p.m. at Beverly Hills United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Johnson Memorial Backpack Ministry or the Hospice House of Huntington.
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5 Entries
July 29, 2016
Gayle Brinker
The news of Emerson brings much sadness. May the prayers of all people who love you bring you comfort. Sending my prayers with much Love & Respect.
July 29, 2016
Gene Mccoy
Sally and Gene McCoy loved this good man. On my retirement he allowed me to share in his ministry for which I served as part time staff.
Emerson was a part of both our girls marriages, he baptized our oldest grandson as well.
Both of us shared in service to the Navy.
A life well lived, an example everlasting. Shalom brother.
July 28, 2016
Dear B.J., Jerry, Chris & Family
I'm so sorry that it is not possible to be in Hunntington to tell you personally how much Emerson has meant to me. His committment to ouir Lord enabled him to live a life that included ALL God's children. His friendship was a treasure.
Our prayers are with eadh of you during this difficult time.
Dale Waters
July 27, 2016
Emerson was my great minister and friend! So sorry I am out of town but he would understand as I am with family .
Dave Ohl
July 27, 2016
Bill Deel
Martha and I are saddened to learn of Emerson's death. We appreciated his friendship and servant nature. He always had a great story and took time to make you feel important. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
Bill and Martha Deel
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