Raymond E. Wood, Jr.

WORCESTER   Raymond E. Wood, Jr., 69,  formerly of Oxford, died Wednesday, October 26, in Saint Vincent's Hospital, following a long battle with COPD. He is survived by his fiancé, Debbie Southwick; a son, Dennis Wood, of Boston; three daughters, Laurie W. Hendry, in Florida, Jessica Sutkus, of Worcester, and Kathleen Lindholm, of Holliston; two grandchildren, Corbin Hendry, and Kaja Lindholm; a brother, Richard Wood, of Clinton; and a sister, Sandra Johnson, of Sutton. A sister, Rebecca Wallen, died in 2002.

Mr. Wood was born in Whitinsville, August 9, 1947, a son of Raymond E. and Dorcas (Clark) Wood. He grew up in Sutton, attended Sutton schools, and lived in Oxford for 20 years before moving to Worcester 23 years ago.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Wood served two tours in VietNam with the 173rd Airborne.

He worked in construction and maintenance, most recently at the Washington Heights apartments in Worcester, prior to retiring 15 years ago. Previously, he worked at Johnson Fence in Sutton, and the former Whitin Machine Works.

He was a member of the American legion. He was a huge NASCAR fan He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his dog, "Ollie Wood", and  the people he loved so much. His family knows that he will be greatly missed. He taught them to be kind and gentle, and to always help others less fortunate. His unconditional love is something they will always remember.

Funeral services will be private, and there are no Calling Hours. Memorial donations are requested to the American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Rd., Suite 301, Framingham, MA 01701