Barberton – Thomas Earl Wood Jr., was known as “Woody” to friends and “Tommy” to his family.  He was a man known for his integrity, honesty and heart.  He was also a simple man, not given to arrogance, but instead exemplifying the essence of a humble person.  His beginnings were just that.  He was born to Thomas and Jewill Causey Wood.  Not long after his birth, his mother died from childbirth complications.  His father was remarried to Estelle and was then became a family with a new, older brother, Jack (Wood) who Tommy loved and respected.  He spent his childhood playing sports both formal and informal.  From stickball in the street to pitching and catching for the Barberton High School baseball team, Tommy was a dedicated, hard-working athlete.  His small stature did not stop him from being the toughest player on the team.  At times this toughness cost him more than a few injuries, as friends and relatives will attest. Tommy supported his family of five throughout the years, at times working two jobs and many holidays.  He worked mainly for two companies during his career.  The first was Yoder Brothers in Barberton, where he worked as a stationary engineer.  After a shorter stint at Midwest Rubber Company, he joined Babcock & Wilcox in Copley, Ohio from which he would retire.  He worked in the shop at the construction company and was a fixture at the tool repair bench.  He became quite popular during his years there.  Co-workers would stop by his bench to hear some of his “everyday wisdom” and humor.  He always had a smile and a kind word for those who visited him at his workstation.  His ever-present sense of humor made his co-workers laugh and smile during their work day, especially his dear friend, Larry Parnacott.  Tommy was a dedicated employee who truly understood the meaning of hard work. He met and married the love of his life, Carol Ann Gormley, during his days at Barberton High School.  His devotion to her was unwavering.  Married for 54 years, Tommy and Carol were inseparable until her death in 2008.  Their relationship was loving, supportive and many time humorous.  Tommy was known for his playful sense of humor and trying to get a “reaction” from his wife. Although a man of few words, his children knew he loved them.  His countless hours of working overtime to provide a good life for them and his example of honesty and hard work proved to them that their father always had their best interest in mind.  He was very proud of his family.  He provided a wonderful childhood for his three children, Cathy (Bob), Connie and Jeff.  He leaves behind grandchildren, Michael (fiancé, Laura Tillinger) and Danny Stuart, Kristopher Keefer (Crystal), Kara and Kurtis Roudebush, and TJ Wood and great-grandchildren, Nakoa, Angie, Sophia, James, Lilee, Saniya and Jalissa.  He is also survived by his brother, Jack (Mary) and his family, as well as many other family members and friends. Special thanks to Pleasant View HCC and Clearpath Hospice for their kind help and support and also his last home health care aide, Diana Benes to whom we will always be grateful. All who knew this kind, simple man will miss him more than words can express.  “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”, Matthew 5:5. Tommy’s family will receive friends on Saturday, March 25th from 12 Noon to 2 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton 44203, in remembrance of Tommy’s life.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Red Cross in his memory.

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