Jay R. Wood, age 76, of Webb City, MO passed away at 7:55 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2017 surrounded by his family at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Jay was born April 8, 1941 in Elk Valley, TN, the oldest of twelve children. Jay had lived in Webb City most of his life. Jay was employed as a laborer/cement finisher with Dalton-Killinger Construction Co. in Joplin, retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Laborers Union, Local 319 in Joplin.

Jay married Janie O’Connell June 19, 1969 in Joplin and she survives. Additional survivors include two sons, Jay Wood II (Josephine) LeMoore, CA, and David Wood (Lisa) Carthage, MO, two daughters, Kelly Wood, and Lisa D. Wood, both of Joplin, eight grandchildren, Jay III, Andrea, Amber, Chelsea, John, Brittany, Ty, and Eli, ten great grandchildren, Gracee, Grayson, Chloe, Greckyn, Louis, Axel, Emmett, Avery, Olivia, and Eisley, three brothers, and three sisters. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy Wood, both parents, three brothers, and two sisters.

Jay enjoyed camping, playing cards with family and friends and most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, they were his heart. He was a devoted husband and loving father and papa. When people spoke of him the most words used, “He is a good man and the hardest worker I know.”

Jay enjoyed life with a smile on his face. He will forever be missed by all who knew and loved him dearly.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, MO