Donald Jiles Wood

Mr. Donald Jiles Wood of Salisbury, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully Friday, January 17, 2025 at his home at the age of 98. Donald was born October 3, 1926 in Rowan County to the late Zellie Myers Wood and Daniel Webster Wood. He was a graduate of Woodleaf School. Donald was a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served in Germany during World War II. Donald was a self-employed building contractor for 40 years. During his career, he built many homes in Rowan County. In addition, he was a dedicated member of Bethel Lutheran Church for over 75 years. He served in many roles at Bethel including Sunday School Superintendent, member of the Church Council, and member of the Lutheran Men in Missions. Donald’s commitment to Salisbury was not limited to his work with Bethel Lutheran Church. Donald was a life member of the Andrew Jackson Masonic Lodge #576 where he had been Past Master and served as Treasurer for 25 years. He served in the 44th Masonic District as District Deputy Grand Lecturer and District Deputy Grand Master. He was a certified Lecturer for 30 years and certified Lecturer Emeritus. In addition, Donald was a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Oasis Shrine Temple, a life member of the George Washington National Memorial Association, honorary member of six Masonic Lodges, Past President of the Franklin Lions Club where he also served at the District Level, and life member of the NC Association for the Blind. As demonstrated by his life, Donald loved the Lord, his family, friends, church, and community. His legacy of service and devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Quillman H. Wood and Marshall W. Wood and sisters, Hazel Thompson Pinkston Werner, Myrtle Wood Harrison, Doris Wood Snider, and Kathleen Wood Aldridge. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 77 years, Marie Elizabeth Yarbrough Wood; children, Donald Charles Wood (Renie) of Sylva and Diane Wood Howard (Robert) of Woodleaf; grandchildren, Dr. Lindsey Holloway Antosek (Steve) of Salisbury and Dr. Ashley Holloway Bowers (Scott) of Dothan, AL.; and great grandchildren, Maggie Antosek, Mary Grace Antosek, Lilly Bowers, Meredith Antosek, Ford Bowers, and Marshall Antosek. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 am Friday, January 24th at Bethel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am in the church sanctuary with Reverend Joseph Miller and Reverend Carroll Robinson officiating. Burial will follow at Rowan Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 355 E. Ridge Road, Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Wood family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Donald Jiles Wood

October 3, 1926 - January 17, 2025