Johnnie Jones Wood

Johnnie Jones Wood

We are saddened to announce that Johnnie Jones Wood, of La Plata, MO, relinquished his battle with pancreatic cancer early the morning of November 10, 2022.

Born February 14, 1950 to JC and Mary Margaret (Jones) Wood, Johnnie graduated high school in La Plata and earned his B.S. in Education from Northeast Missouri State Teachers’ College in 1972.  In 1969 Johnnie became one of the first pledges in the newly affiliated Phi Lamda Chi Fraternity and was instrumental in that year’s Greek Games, when this bunch of underdogs handily beat out the Phi Sigs and TKEs in the annual campus tug of war.  Johnnie continued actively supporting the Phi Lambs throughout his life, most recently serving as President of the Phi Lamb Alumni Association and organizing Alumni Reunions.

His competitiveness and dedication to education, high school, and collegiate sports made him a successful coach and mentor for womens’ softball, boys’ and girl’s basketball, and baseball teams all over north Missouri.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his grandparents, mother and dad, as well as his nephew, Richard Tylen Parrish.  He is survived by his love and best friend, Sherri Tillman, his beloved sister Donnie Joyce (Wood) Parrish, son Garrett Dale Wood, all from the La Plata area, as well as daughter Jacey Jean Wood (and husband Chris Tagliamonte) of Bethesda, MD.  He is also survived by one grandson, Kaden Alexander and niece, Teilla Parrish.  Johnnie will also be missed by one giant smelly dog, Panda, but has been welcomed into Heaven by two others, JoJo and Gentle Ben.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.