Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Walter Lane Wood (Peepaw), born January 29, 1941 entered his heavenly home from his earthly home in Bay City, Texas on February 5, 2017. He was a faithful member of the Baptist Church his entire life. Walter spent his childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he met his wife of 54 years, Emily Ann Burt. The junior high sweethearts began their life together on October 6, 1962. Their love continued to grow through the birth of their only daughter, Teresa Ann Wood, her marriage to Ricky Busha, the birth of their two granddaughters, Sara Alexander and Kristin Straub, and the birth of 4 great grandchildren, with 2 more arriving this summer.

Walter served in the Navy and worked many different jobs to provide for his family, including commercial painting, truck driving, and construction. After retirement, he spent his time serving his community. He delivered meals at the hospital, volunteered for Hospice, and greeted everyone who walked into the Bay City Walmart with Christ's joy and love. His most favorite way of spreading joy was being Santa Claus for the Christmas season for the past 25 years. Walter was known for his infectious smile and contagious laugh. His short stature paled in comparison to his giant presence of joy that filled every room he walked into. He found satisfaction in serving those around him, wanting everyone to know the love of God.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Luella Barfield Wood & John Edward Wood, stepfather, Emerson C. Cooke, brother, Samuel Wood, mother-in-law, Ann Burt, father-in-law, Richard Burt and sister-in-law, Iva Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Emily Ann Wood, daughter Terri (Ricky) Busha, brother, John Wood, sister, Jean (Gene) Bradford, & sister, Barbara (Doug) Miller, granddaughters, Sara (Jonathan) Alexander & Kristin (Andrew) Straub, and 4 great grandchildren.

The celebration of Walter's life will begin with the visitation on Wednesday, February 8th, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00pm. The funeral service will be Thursday, February 9, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Bay City at 3:00pm officiated by Dr. Mike Zimmerman. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew Straub, Jonathan Alexander, Terry Busha, Larry Busha, Dylan Falknor, & Bill Cross. Honorary pallbearers are Ricky Busha, Mike Brown, Pat Matthes, & the men of the Faithful Sunday School Class.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Camp Scholarship Fund.