Roy Clifton Wood, Jr.

Roy Clifton Wood, Jr. died at his home in Bossier City, Louisiana on Monday, February 3, 2025. Born in Memphis, Tennessee to parents Roy Clifton Wood, Sr., and Mable Marie Cooley Wood on October 16, 1943. 

After graduating from Messick High School in Memphis, Roy moved to Washington, DC where he and his first wife, Theresa, worked for the FBI for two years before returning to Memphis so he could complete his education at Memphis State University, where he graduated with a BS in Business in 1968,

Roy was immediately hired by Exxon Corporation and when he received a promotion, he and Theresa moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, living there for two years before moving to Shreveport, Louisiana, where their son, Christopher was born.

In 1982, Roy married the love of his life, Gennie Harville Wood. They moved to Roseville, California, where Roy enjoyed a very successful career as the State Racing Commissioner for the State of California for 15 years.

In 1994, they returned to Louisiana and to their home in Bossier City where Roy was a racing steward for Louisiana Downs until the time of his passing. Gennie preceded Roy in death. 

Left to lovingly remember Roy is his son, Christopher Eric Wood, of New Orleans, LA; his brother, Ronald Wayne, (Ron) Wood, and wife, Carolyn, of Las Vegas, NV; special friends and family members, Theresa Mormino, Kacey Edwards, Shanna Wood, Stacy Wood, Leslie Morris, Laura Morris, Michael Mormino, Christy Mormino, and Fred and Beth Mormino.

Roy enjoyed playing golf and watching sports on TV and in person. His happiest times were spent with his beloved wife, Gennie, and his beloved son, Christopher. Roy was a devoted Catholic and took great joy in his faith.

Roy was an exemplary employee wherever his career took him, disciplined, devoted, and knowledgeable. Because of his strong work ethic and admiration for those he worked with, he made many friends during his long career. His working career defined him, and he worked right up till the last minute.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Rd., Benton, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Richey Cemetery in Deville, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:30 until the time of service. Officiating the service will be Father Boscoe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association in remembrance of Gennie Wood, www.alz.org, or to a charity of the donor's choosing.