Obituary of Thomas (Tony) James Wood

December 27, 1940 - September 22, 2025

U.S. Veteran

Thomas (Tony) James Wood passed away peacefully in his sleep on 9/22/2025 after a courageous battle with dementia. He is now reunited with the love of his life Barbara and infant son William Anthony. In life he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and in death he has donated his body to the University of Texas Medical School to continue that legacy.

He was born 12/27/1940 in Silsbee, Texas and grew up in Kirbyville where he met his childhood sweetheart Barbara whom he married on 3/1/1958. He was a lifetime member of the Central Baptist Church of Kirbyville and served in the United States Marine Corp from 1958-1962 where he was assigned to Okinawa, Japan, played on the Marine Corp Basketball team and received an honorable discharge upon his departure.

Tony was a printing pressman by trade, starting his career in Orange, Texas in 1962 as a specialty pressman. He was actively involved in Union Activities from his start in the industry and went on to work for the Los Angeles times, The Houston Post and Gulf Printing Company in Houston, Texas. He was the Secretary/Treasurer/Business Agent for Graphic Communications International Union, Local #71 until his retirement in 2001. During this time, he negotiated multiple high-profile agreements, coordinated the creation of total quality teams and was instrumental in avoiding any walk outs or strikes during his tenure. Tony’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies from Antioch University and an Associate of Applied Science in Real Estate through San Jacinto College in Houston. He also received multiple certifications in all aspects of labor relations and real estate. passed on his strong work ethic to both of his daughters and his 3 grandsons, Ryan, Breck and Taylor. In addition to taking pride in his work, he also had the same level of dedication to his leisure activities.

When Tony had an interest in a sport, he studied it, practiced it and became the best he could be. Whether it was basketball, playing pool, bowling, bass fishing or golf, he excelled at it all. His main passions were bass fishing and golf. He was a bass fisherman for over 50 years and the entire garage was lined with trophies as a result of his winnings. He often took the family with him on fishing trips and passed his love of fishing down to his son-in-law Craig and 2 of his great grand-children Nolan and Everett. He fished the Sealy Big Bass Splash on Lake Sam Rayburn for over 25 years, most of them with his son-in-law Craig. He also had a passion for golf and over the years he provided clubs to his sons-in-law and grandsons to spark their interest. His son-in-law James became a regular golf partner and his grandson Taylor is now an avid golfer as well. Tony played golf often for over 40 years and upon retirement, he often played 5 or more days a week, as long he was physically able to do so.

When he and Barbara retired, they moved to a house on Lake Sam Rayburn and joined Rayburn Country so they could relax, enjoy the views and have easy access to fishing and golf. The home was a gathering place for family and friends who spent countless memorable weekends with them at their lakeside home.

Tony is lovingly remembered by his daughter Debbie Coats and husband James, daughter Becky Price and husband Craig. grandchildren Ryan Coats and wife Samantha, Breck Coats and wife Shelby, Taylor Price and wife Rachel; great grandchildren Nolan, Everrett Coats and Elliot Coats; brother Bobby and wife Larue Wood and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Wood; infant son William Anthony Wood, Sister Irvy Wood and parents Jessie and Spicy Wood.

A celebration of his life for family and friends to honor Tony will be held at his daughter’s home, 185 Percy Howard Road, Huntsville, Texas 77320 on Friday, November 28 at 1pm.