Forrest Cecil Wood

Major Forrest Cecil Wood Jr.(Papa Gator), age 81, of Newnan, Georgia surrounded by his family, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, October 6, 2017. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on Dec.6, 1935 to Forrest Cecil Wood and Bernice Estell Bailey. He was raised in Welaka, FL where his parents owned and operated the famous Sportsman’s Lodge. After graduating from the R.O.T.C program at the University of Florida, Forrest entered the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and married the love of his life, Marvadean Lynell Wells. After twenty years of service including two tours in Vietnam, Forrest retired as a heavily decorated major. Forrest continued serving God and his country in honorable ways. Anyone that spent time with him could feel his deep love, especially for his wife of almost 60 years and the Florida Gators! As a father, he was always present with gentle guidance and unconditional love. Papa Gator enjoyed playfully teasing his grandchildren and sharing his selfless love and wisdom. Forrest is survived by his soulmate, Marvadean and four children: Forrest C. Wood III (Lynda), Cindy Wood Hill (Steve), Donna Wood McCondichie (Steve), Brenda Wood Naughton and 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is preceded by parents Forrest and Bernice Wood, sister Diane Sykes, and great-grandchild McKayla Samples. The funeral service is Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 4 PM in the chapel of McKoon Funeral home, 38 Jackson Street, in Newnan with Chaplin Michael Hornsby officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 PM until 4 PM at the funeral home. The graveside service will be Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 1:30 PM at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville FL where full military honors will be rendered. The family wishes to thank Dr. Assikis and his staff, OPI Infusion Center, and Homestead Hospice for their deep love, care, and everything they did that went above and beyond over the last three years of Papa Gator’s life. Those who wish to honor his memory may do so with flowers or a donation to your favorite animal care organization. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Forrest Cecil Wood

December 6, 1935 - October 6, 2017