Charles Pressie Wood

Charles Pressie Wood

January 5, 1931 – July 7, 2022

LIZARD LICK – Charles Pressie Wood, 91, the unofficial Mayor of Lizard Lick, NC, for more than 50 years died July 7, 2022 at his home. He was born January 5, 1931 at home in Wake County to Iva Pearl Carter-Wood (d.2010) and Pressie Wood (d.1979). Charles was a life-long member of Hephzibah Baptist Church and served as President of the Board for Historical Hephzibah, leading efforts to restore and use one of the oldest structures in Wake County. He will be remembered for becoming the “Mayor” of Lizard Lick and promoting the Lizard Lick community with festivals and his famous lizard races. Charles wrote a newspaper column (Lizard Tales) for The Gold Leaf Farmer for many years and published a collection of these columns in his first and only book, “Wood’s Wit and Wisdom.” After closing Woody’s Machine Shop, he repaired tractors and lawnmowers for friends and neighbors in his backyard, often saying “bill is in the mail.” As a hobby, Woody loved being behind the camera, videotaping local and family events. He and wife Shirley were so proud to recently receive their 30-year anniversary certificate for participating in the NC Adopt a Highway Program for Lizard Lick Road.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by son, Dr. Phillip Charles Wood of San Francisco, CA; sister, Josephine Carter Shirley and brother, Jodie Riley Wood.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley Brantley Wood; daughters, Jean Wood of Zebulon, NC, Robin Wood of Knightdale, NC and Donna Milligan (husband, Terry) of Lizard Lick, NC; sons, Don Wood (wife, Sandy) of Rockledge, FL, Dennis Wood (wife, Brenda) of Pilot, NC, Dale Perry (wife, Melenda) of Wendell, NC and Joey Wood (wife, Crystal) of Wendell, NC; siblings, Vivian Scott, Rachel Gilberti, William Bertie “Bill” Wood and Sally Stallings; many grand, great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Historical Hephzibah, PO Box 1119, Wendell, NC 27591.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm, Monday, July 11 at Hephzibah Baptist Church in the Family Life Center, 1794 Wendell Blvd, Wendell, NC 27591. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:30 – 3:00 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591. www.stricklandfuneral.com

16 Comments

  • Wanda J. Ramm Posted July 8, 2022 4:54 pm

    Charles was fun and good man. He will be missed.

  • Janice (Hodge) Cheek Posted July 8, 2022 8:08 pm

    You do not know me, but I am the daughter of Joseph Hodge and granddaughter of Lucy Holden. Charles was highly thought of by both. I can remember grandma when she was getting up in the years calling Charles to come to Riley Hill on a regular to repair what was her “unfixable” car and he never turned her down. Personally, I remember Charles’s smile and good humor. May I extend my deepest condolences to the family and will lift you up in my prayers.

  • Billy H Robinson Posted July 8, 2022 8:27 pm

    Charles was a good man. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.

  • Silje and Tom Norway Posted July 8, 2022 8:38 pm

    Those who touch our lives, stay in our harts forever.

    Thanks for everything Mayor Woods.
    Even if you are not here now, you have left deep traces behind.

  • Barbara Alford Holland Posted July 9, 2022 6:16 pm

    I grew up in Lizard Lick near the Wood family

  • Ed & Violet Allen Posted July 9, 2022 9:13 pm

    We send our Condolence to the Family of Charles Wood!

  • Tom Vaughan (Retired Wendell Fire Chief) Posted July 10, 2022 2:07 pm

    Charles loved Southern Gospel music & helped to promote it. He responded to emergency calls & videoed them for fire training purposes. He was a compassionate & giving person with a big smile & always willing to help. He will certainly be missed!

  • Jim Parker Posted July 10, 2022 3:09 pm

    We will miss one of the best!

  • Bennie and Doris Richardson Posted July 10, 2022 4:03 pm

    Sending Condolences and Prayers to the Wood family and friends. Charles was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. May God continue to strengthen you Shirley, family and friends as Charles is being laid to rest. Remember God is Omni present.

  • Mary Ann Lowery Posted July 11, 2022 10:07 am

    Jean, I send you my deepest sympathy at this time and say that my thoughts have been with you since I heard of the death of your father. I know you will miss him very much. I remember you talking about him when we worked together (Unigard). God bless you and your family. Much Love, Mary Ann

  • Sonya Hodge-Jones Posted July 11, 2022 12:30 pm

    My condolences and prayers for the family.

  • Jane jeffreys young Posted July 11, 2022 9:02 pm

    So sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathy. When I think of cousin Charles, I think family and keeping the Carter/Wood tradition of getting together and catching up at reunions.
    Till we see him again, may God comfort you in your grief

  • Charles P Barnes Posted July 12, 2022 3:11 pm

    Joey, sorry for your loss of Mayor Charles. As I think I told you before I remember hearing my mother talk about her school days with Charles at Wendell and what a great friend he was. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. .

  • Keith Kornegay Posted July 12, 2022 11:24 pm

    Really gonna miss him. Always was smiling and friendly. Good luck old son.

  • Johnny & Sharon Hocutt Posted July 13, 2022 12:17 pm

    Joey, so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.

  • Peggy & Barna Wilder Posted July 13, 2022 6:19 pm

    Charles Wood will be missed by many people, He touched many people

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