of Searcy, AR
August 14, 1964 - April 14, 2024
Ricky Dewel Wood passed from this life on April 14, 2024 at the age of 59. He was born on August 14, 1964 at the Porter Rodgers Hospital in Searcy, AR to his parents, Dewell Uhen and Lyndel Louise Sharp Wood. He is survived by loving sister, Sheila Wood of Searcy, his church family and many friends and extended family.
He graduated from Searcy High School in 1982. He received an Associates of Arts Degree from ASU-Beebe in 1984 and continued his education, where he graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 1986. He had received his master's degree in Education from Harding University in 1993 and was working on his Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
While working on his Doctorate, he went to work for Darraugh Company as a Salesman and manager from 1987 through 1991. He began his teaching career at Riverview School District in 1993 as a High School teacher. In 1999 he moved to the Pangburn School District and was the High School Principal for six years until he accepted the position as Superintendent for three years. In the fall of 2009, he moved to the Bradford School District as the High School Principal until the spring of 2022. Ricky finished his career working for ASU-Newport as a Career Coach and was able to remain on the Bradford Campus working with the students there.
Ricky's most important job was always preaching the Word of God starting at home and to his extended family at the Four Mile Hill Church of Christ. He had worked and preached there since he was a young boy, always doing what needed to be done. He truly loved the Lord with his heart, soul and mind.
His passion was horse showing, but not necessarily the showing, but being able to be with his friends, which became like family to him. He was very active in the Horse Show venue from the local level to the state level. He also loved the Theater. He was a season ticket holder for over 20 years at the Orpheum in Memphis, Tennessee with some of his favorites being, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked.
Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, April 18, 2024 from 6:00 8:00 PM and a Celebration of Life Service will be held on April 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Both will be held at the Four Mile Hill Church of Christ. Interment will be at Henderson Cemetery in Pangburn, Arkansas. All arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy.
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39 Condolence(s)
Jerí Bryant
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
My sincerest condolences to the family of Rick. I last saw him as he led a tour of Bradford students to explore the ASU Newport campus in March. His mission was evident in all he did for the students he served including last minute runs up the road to get paperwork to campus so none of his students missed an opportunity. He was an exemplary coach and we thank you for sharing him with us.
Todd Simpfenderfer
Saturday, April 20, 2024
It was an honor to be your classmate let alone colleague during our time at Bradford High. You exemplified what is said in Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness...Rick, you truly embodied all of them. Love you, brother
Sarah
Friday, April 19, 2024
He was a great man, everyone who knew him loved him.
David & Ellen Hall
Friday, April 19, 2024
Raymond wall
Friday, April 19, 2024
Will mis u Mr wood ur the best person ever prayers for ur family
Angela Bryant
Friday, April 19, 2024
I’m going to miss all of our “quick question” chats that turned into hour long conversations. You will be missed by all who knew you, especially your Bradford School family.
Michael Smith
Friday, April 19, 2024
My thoughts & prayers are with the family of Rick. He was a wonderful co-worker and I could tell the dedication and positive regard he had towards his students at Bradford. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Michelle Martin
Friday, April 19, 2024
I worked with Mr. Wood at Bradford High School. He was such a blessing to work with. I always enjoyed talking to him about ideas I had because I knew he would be honest & encouraging with his feedback. He motivated the students & faculty daily regardless of tireless hours he put into his work. He was more than our principal, he was our leader, mentor & friend! He will truly be missed bye all who had the privilege of knowing him. My prayers go out to his family
Sam Mooneyham
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Such a good friend. You will be greatly missed
Tony Prothro
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Although I have been away from Rick for several years, he was a scholar and friend. His gentle and genuine disposition will be truly missed.
Tony Prothro
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Although I have been away from Rick for several years, he was a scholar and friend. His gentle and genuine disposition will be truly missed.
Shanna Garner
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Really planned to come to visitation but due to unexpected circumstances were not able to make it. Ricky I’ve known him for such along time and have such great memories horse showing with him over the years. He’s going to be greatly missed. Sending hugs and prayers
Steve and Margaret Akins
Thursday, April 18, 2024
We will miss Rick preaching Sunday mornings at the Show of Champions. He is such a caring and nice man. Heaven certainly gained a special angel in Rick.
Tammy Robertson
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Prayers for Shelia and friends/family of Mr. Rick. When he started at Bradford- I said I don't know if I should call you Mr. Wood or Rick. He said you call me Rick because I've know you since you were little from our horse showing days. I have fond memories of hearing his prayers dur
Jeri Ann Steinegger and Pat Watkins
Thursday, April 18, 2024
We were so sorry to hear about Rick. We always enjoyed listening to him preach at the Show of Champions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sincerely Jeri Ann and Pat
Ethan Lantz
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
I will always remember Ricky from my four years at Harding. He had a passion for God's word, and he was very generous and kind towards the college students who worshipped with Four Mile Hill church of Christ. He will be greatly missed by many, and his family members are in my prayers.
Josh Crutchfield
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
My Name Is Josh Crutchfield Mr Wood Was My High School Principal One Of The Best People I Ever Met He Love All Of His Friends And Students He Was A Awesome Person And He Will Be Missed By All Sending Prayers To Family And Love One
Staude family
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Mr woods was always so good to my kids and so kind to our family when our Austin passed it meant so much prayers for the family
Grayce humes
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Diane Mayfield
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Sheila, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.
Sidney Fields
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
I hate to hear that he passed away I knew him when he was a kid and his parents I lived in Leto a and went to the church when he was little he was a good preacher he will be missed
Rachel Jones
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
This world lost a great man, a caring person, and an excellent educator. Fly high Mr.Woods, we will miss you.
Jamie Hollemam
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
He was one of the BEST teachers! He was always so funny and made the classes fun!! He will forever be missed!!
Tammie Borden
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr Wood was a wonderful and kind man to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.
Latasha Borden
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
He was the best principal I ever had. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Cathy Blevins
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
My thoughts and prayers for Mr. Wood’s family.
He will truly be missed at Bradford School!
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Cathy Blevins
Lunch Lady
Amanda Anderson
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Sending love and prayers. He was a great friend and mentor. Rest in Love.
Taylor Turner
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
You will be truly missed! You gave me the name TT in high school and I will never forget you always yelling it in the halls. lol Thank you for all you have done. Rest well my friend!
Melanie Moore Murphy
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Praying for Shelia and the Wood’s family!
Linda Morris
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Mr. Wood will surely be missed at Bradford High. He was admired by all who knew him.
Cody Metcalf
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Prayers for the Wood Family. Mr Wood was my favorite principal. - Bradford High C/O 2009
Wesley Steve Burruss jr
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Mr wood, you were the best person I got to know, you were calm, easy going, and best of all funny. I never really got to know you but you were one of the best teachers to hang out with. I know your time has came way to early but you are in a better place now and you don't have to suffer no more. To Mr Wood, I'll see you when my time comes, all of us will.
Jeremy Robertson
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
The absolute best friend that I ever had in my entire life! You are going to be missed by so many people. You were just like a brother to me. I will never forget all the great times that we had, and all the stories that we shared. I will miss you my friend. I love you buddy! Praying for Sheila, and all of your family and friends.
Bobbie Buchanan
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Praying for your love ones and you will be missed.
Mary Williams
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Rick will be missed, Praying for the family.
Carla Riddle
Monday, April 15, 2024
I’m sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a really great guy. Prayers for his family.
Kimberly Love
Monday, April 15, 2024
Prays for family you will be missed by so many people
Dianna Meeks
Monday, April 15, 2024
Sheila, I am so sad to hear about your brother's passing. He was loved by so many and greatly influenced many young lives in his years of working in the school system. Praying for you during this difficult time.
Jonathan Davis
Monday, April 15, 2024
You will be missed. Praying for your love ones