Charles Edward Wood

Charles Edward Wood, age 77, of Long Beach passed away on August 17, 2024 following a brief but complicated struggle with heart disease and cancer. 

Charlie was born on April 10, 1947 to Robert Allen Wood, Sr. and Louise Stokes Wood in McComb, Mississippi. He moved to Gulfport at the age of eight spending many hours riding bikes, playing baseball, and fishing in the gulf while making friends that would be with him throughout his lifetime. It was here he developed a love for the natural beauty of the beaches and landscapes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

Charlie graduated from Gulfport High School where he was a member of the Weejuns, the “it” dance band of the Coastal region. After high school, he earned a B.S. from Mississippi State University and worked as a sales representative for Klum Lumber. He later attended the University of Mississippi and was awarded his Juris Doctor. He had a law partnership with Crockett Lindsey and later had a private practice before moving into the arena of public service as lead assistant prosecutor in the District Attorney’s office for the State of Mississippi. Charlie served the justice systems in Hancock, Stone, and Harrison Counties in the span of 30 years. 

Charlie truly enjoyed his retirement. He and his wife Judy enjoyed travel exploring foreign countries with close friends. Closer to home, they enjoyed camping across the southern United States with Jack, their Boston Terrier. Charlie gave his time generously to those needing help and was always ready to volunteer for civic causes through his church, the Nourishing Place, where he served as a member of the board of directors. He managed to stay in touch his work friends and childhood friends by frequent lunch outings. His adventures centered around his friends and family as well. Whether kayaking or playing disc golf, Charlie had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature surrounding him. An avid photographer with an artist’s eye, he soon built a following with his regular posting of photos from “Along the Disc Golf Trail”. Anyone that knew Charlie, knew he was a loving and giving husband, father and grandfather, and a great friend and neighbor.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Judy Melton Wood; his brother, Robert Wood; his sons Steve (Lisa) Wood and Richie (Stephanie) Wood; stepson John (Dudley) Couey; stepdaughter Ali (Jason) Browne, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 24, at 10:00 a.m. at The Nourishing Place, 606 Tennessee Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 followed by a memorial service and reception at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Nourishing Place or to the LBPD Animal Care Facility (201 Alexander Road, Long Beach, MS 39560).

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.