Spurgeon Hill "Buddy" Wood, Jr., 77, of Mullins passed away peacefully at McLeod Regional Medical Center on February 26, 2023 with his family by his side. He was born in Mullins, South Carolina on December 17, 1945, the son of the late Spurgeon Hill Wood, Sr. and the late Olivette Wiggins Wood.

Buddy graduated from Mullins High School and immediately began a career with the South Carolina Army National Guard. He spent the next forty-two years serving his community and his country with humble pride and honor including distinguished service during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. During his tenure with the Guard, he received numerous awards and decorations for his service and retired having earned the rank of Sergeant Major. His selfless nature led him to join his father as a young man volunteering with the Mullins Fire and Rescue Squad, which he proudly did for twenty-one years. Following his retirement from the Guard, he began working at Hinson and Fowler Ace Hardware offering a helping hand and genuine smile to all that he encountered. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of giving back to his fellow man and the importance of hard work.

Buddy deeply loved his Lord, his country, and his family. He enjoyed woodworking, the outdoors and spending time hunting, fishing, playing golf, and attending racing events. He along with his wife, Wanda loved camping and made many special memories together. He was a dedicated member of Wannamaker Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years, Wanda Floyd Wood; a son, Glenn Wood and his wife, Carla of Mullins; a daughter, Beverly Wood and her fiancé, Rowland Alston III of Newberry; a sister, Cheryl Lynn Stroud of Dillon; two grandsons, Callen and Maddox Wood. With his marriage he gained not only a devoted wife but additional brothers, sisters, and nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins. Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday in the chapel of the funeral home with Reverend Shawn Brashear officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Riverside Cemetery in Nichols.

If you would like to remember Buddy, the family suggests that memorials be made in his memory to Wannamaker Baptist Church, 3985 Duford Road, Nichols, South Carolina 29581.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com .

Meares Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.