Neil Ray Wood was born December 31, 1930 to Elmer and Olive Wood of Pomona, Missouri, and was gathered peacefully into his Saviour’s arms in rest about 3:00 a.m., October 13, 1026 at the family home.
Neil graduated high school from Willow Springs, Missouri where he hurt his knee playing football.
Neil served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956 after an honorable discharge. From the Navy, he moved to Springfield where he worked at MFA Feed Mill. Neil was visited by men from United Baptist Church where he trusted Christ as his Saviour in 1965. He fell in love with his Saviour and with his Saviour’s reason for coming – The souls of men. About 1966 he moved back to the West Plains area where he continued work at MFA and Joy Dog Food for many years.
While living in the area God burdened his heart to start a church in West Plains where he met and married Edith Bales who he trained to also have a fervent love for soul winning.
Neil is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Olive of Pomona, Missouri; four sisters, Nelie Mae (his twin), Virginia, June and Evelyn; three brothers, Raymond, Kenneth, and Junior, many nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife Edith Wood of Willow Springs, Missouri; sons, Tim Wood and wife Wendy of Willow Springs, Missouri, David Wood and wife Angie of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jennifer Green of Pomona, Missouri, Micheal Wood of Springfield, Missouri, Makayla Ketel, husband, Josh of Springfield, Missouri, and Crystal Wood of Old Field, Missouri; six great grandchildren, Carly, Kailee, and Marlee Green of Willow Springs, Annalice, Lucas and Avenlie Ketel of Springfield, Missouri.
Neil’s fever for serving Jesus led to 1000’s trusting Christ thru door to door soul winning, prison ministry, witnessing at countless grocery stores, gas stations, colleges, in church services and many other places. In his later years he loved to sit on the bench at the WalMart entrance passing out tracks and witnessing ‘til he was asked to leave by the management.
Neil was instrumental in starting two churches that also resulted in many lives changed and much glory given to his Saviour.
Neil’s greatest desire in life was “to witness for Jesus”; now he’s with him face to face.
Church services will be held Friday, October 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Calvary Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 26, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church also.
Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri, with military rites, service under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Missouri.