Branson (Woody) LeHew Wood , Jr., 83, of Volente passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at St. David’s Hospital.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6, at Cook Walden Chapel of the Hills located at 9700 Anderson Mill Road.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2007 at St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church located at 5600 Ranch Road 620 North. The services will be officiated by The Rev. Michael Wyckoff. Burial will be at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks located at 14619 IH 35 North, Round Rock, TX.
Woody was born in Staunton, Va on May 25, 1923, to B. L. Wood , Sr. and Lena May Campbell Wood who preceded him in death.
He married Geraldine (Gerry) Ahrendt on March 5, 1948. Survivors include his wife Gerry, daughters: Connie Schutte (Ed) of Duluth, GA; Jackie Eastwood (Ray) of Lexington; Lisa Wood of Denver, CO; Lena Nasta (Sanjay) of Austin; a son, Branson L. Wood III (Katie) of Hannibal, MO; six grandchildren: Allison Leaheey, Bennett Wood , Michelle Schutte, Christine Schutte, Angela Locke, Greg Eastwood; one brother; James Wood (Linda); a sister Virginia King and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a brother, William Wood (Sherry).
The son of a Presbyterian preacher, Woody lived in various towns in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia during his youth. After high school he entered Davidson College but left school to join the Army Air Corps, later the US Air Force. Woody served as a bomber pilot in WW II in the Asian Theater, flying in the China Burma India Hump squadron. He continued for 30 years of distinguished service retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1974. He and Gerry moved to Austin later that year to build their dream home on Lake Travis and help care for Gerry’s mother. Woody began a second career in real estate. Always active in church Woody was part of numerous ministries at St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal. He died as he lived, on the go, driving his wife to an appointment. He lived a full life committed to his faith, his family and his country.
Memorials may be given to Anderson Mill Garden Club, St. Luke’s on the Lake, or the charity of your choice.