Emmit Pickens Wood was born August 30, 1929 in Whittier, NC to the late Claude L. and Emma W. Wood. He died peacefully at his home in Scaly Mountain on August 24, 2019. For more than 60 years, he was an active member of the Scaly Mountain Church of God where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Choir Director. He enjoyed singing, playing guitar and other instruments. He served with the Church of God Men of Action who helped with several projects, including building churches across the United States. His favorite state was Alaska where he was involved with many projects. He was named, “Layman of the Year” by the denomination.
Mr. Wood retired from King Mountain Club where he had served as manager. He was a member and chaplain of the Sky Valley-Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement. He was also a member of the Electric Co-op Board for over 30 years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends and was privileged to see many places.
Emmit was a Christian gentleman who served God, a devoted husband and father who loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce McDonald Wood; three children: Eddie (Andrea) of Madisonville, TN; Kim Ruff (Randy) of Rock Hill, SC; Tamra Talley (Clay) of Scaly Mountain, NC; five grandchildren: Shane Wood of Loudon, TN, Tanya Datson of Vonore, TN, Kristy Plemmons, of Madisonville, TN, Wade Ruff, of Spartanburg, SC; Rebecca Ruff, of Denver, CO; five great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one brother, Lawrence Wood of Brevard, NC, four sisters: Hazel Miller of Scaly Mountain, NC; Oleta Rogers of Asheville, NC; Ruth Keever and Judy Reece of Whittier, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Vernon and Earl Wood and two sisters: Gladys Wood and Elsie Coggins.
The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. The celebration of life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Bates and family members officiating. The committal service will conclude at Scaly Mountain Church of God Cemetery where Mr. Wood will be laid to rest.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for every kindness shown to them during this time.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
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