Craig Wood

Col. Craig W. Wood USMC (Ret.), died June 15 at his home on Pensacola Beach, surrounded by family. Craig fought a courageous battle against cancer for four and a half years. Despite the effects of almost continuous cancer treatment, Craig lived with a positive good nature. He hunted and fished until shortly before his death. He and his wife Phyllis took two, one-month long motorcycle trips with Craig stopping for cancer treatment and then going on. He loved playing poker with his friends and gambling in Biloxi. He looked forward to the opening day of deer hunting and snapper fishing each year. Craig lived everyday to its fullest. Craig was born February 7, 1949, in Miami, FL, to W. Benjamin Wood and June Gilliland Wood. He grew up in Chicago and attended college at Southern Illinois University, entering the Marine Corps after graduating from college. Craig eventually left active duty and remained in the reserves until 9/11 when he went back on active duty. When he retired after thirty one years of military service, he took a job as the HR director for Marine Corps Pacific (the position that he held on active duty during the war) and then transferred his last two years as the HR director at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kanehoe Bay). Craig loved the Marine Corps and the Marines that he was privileged to know. When he retired, Craig and his wife Phyllis returned to paradise on Pensacola Beach after living here in the 80's and loving this beautiful area. Craig is survived by his wife Phyllis, three sisters: Denise Carr, Lisa Curt and Leslie Waters, four wonderful children and several nieces and nephews and grandchildren. His children are Rick Fojtik (Jen), Benjamin Wood (Deya), Annie Rogers (Max), and Amy Derr (Joe). He is also survived by his life long best friend, Steve Schrenzel. His spirit lives on with his family and friends. The memorial service will be held at a later date.