Harold Gene Wood

Harold Gene Wood was born July 27, 1935, to the union of the late Malcolm Wood and Carrie Phinazee Wood in McMinnville, Tennessee. He was the second son and child of fifteen children. Harold Gene Wood entered peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday June 11, 2023. Harold lived his young life amongst his large family and matured to graduate from Bernard High School in McMinnville, Tennessee. After graduation he moved to Cleveland, Ohio and secured employment at University School where he met his wife and lifetime sweetheart Rubie Whitlow. They were joined in marriage on August 14,1967 in Detroit, Michigan. To this union was born their son, Edward Wood. They made their initial home in East Cleveland for several decades with their son Edward. Harold and Rubie later moved to Cleveland Heights, Ohio in 1987. Harold was smart, meticulous in his work, orderly and a hard worker. His love of automobiles and exemplary work ethic led him to employment at Ford Motor Company. In 1963, he began his more than forty-year career with Ford, starting at the plant in Walton Hills, Ohio. His ability to learn, observation of things in ill-repair, mastery and dependability helped him rise in ranks at Ford. Harold possessed a beautiful smile that tempered his “bossiness.” His assertive nature and ability to lead was recognized during his career at Ford where he was promoted to a supervisor. He transferred to Woodhaven Stamping Plant and finally to the Ford Motor Maumee Stamping Plant where he was employed until he retired on May 31, 2007. The rewards of Harold’s hard work were shared with his family. He was known to care for his mother with gifts to ensure any of her needs were met and performed on-site repairs with his hands. He held the philosophy of “see something wrong then go ahead and fix it”. He was known for doing all types of handiwork from plumbing, to painting, to yardwork; and all with precision and care. His nature was to leave a project better than he found it and in operating order. Harold accepted Christ at an early age in McMinnville, Tennessee. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio he became a member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church. He and his wife were faithful members until Rubie’s health declined. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence Wood, Algoma Wood Carlous Wood, James Wood; sisters, Manila Marshall, and Mary Wood. Harold leaves to cherish his memories a loving son, Edward Wood (Romenita) and grandson, Jordan Wood of St. Augustine, Florida; five brothers, Luther Wood, Orbin Wood (Sue Mae), and Henry Wood (Hattie Lynda) from Tennessee; Phillip Wood, Paul Wood (Sharon) from Ohio; three sisters, Dorothy Ramsey from Tennessee; Catherine Young and Yvonne Wood from Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and devoted friends. Harold was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, father-in-law and friend. He loved God, his family and valued life. Harold loved working outdoors in the yard and enjoyed seeing the results of his labor, especially the beautiful purple blooms. He lived his life through his family and his wisdom, generosity, loyalty, kindness and hard work will be missed. A graveside service and interment will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Bethlehem Cemetery at Martin Charge. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery for the graveside service. There will be no visitation or service at High's. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.