Lt. Colonel Norman E. Wood

November 15, 1940 – May 17, 2026

“I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.  How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me.” These words from the hymn “My Savior’s Love” beautifully sums up the life of faith of Lt. Col. Norman Wood. So deeply moved by God’s redeeming love, he committed himself to following Jesus and dedicated his life to serving Him. 

Norman was born the third son of Raymond L. Wood, Sr. and Edna V. (Hall) Wood in Tioga, PA. He witnessed the life-changing conversion of his father and mother and their active soldiership at the Corning, New York, Salvation Army, where he fell in love with Louisa Mae McIlwain. Although his prospects for playing professional baseball were high, as he was a record-holding strikeout leader recruited by the Phillies, Norm aimed higher, joining the U.S. Air Force following his high school graduation.  He married Louisa in October of 1961, taking a honeymoon train to the West Coast. Norm was stationed at bases in Fairbanks, AK; Tacoma, WA; and Syracuse, NY. During his eight years in the U.S. Air Force, he faithfully served his country, including deployment to Nha Trang, Vietnam, during the Vietnam War in 1966–67.

Trading in his Air Force uniform for one emblazoned with “Saved to Serve”, the mission of The Salvation Army compelled Norman along with his wife ‘to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.’ Commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1971, Norm served in corps appointments in Shamokin, East Stroudsburg, and York, PA, before taking on assignments at divisional headquarters in OH, CT, NJ, and NY.  In 1990, Norman was appointed to attend the International College for Officers in London, England.  Norm also served as Divisional Commander for the New Jersey and Empire State Divisions.  Of note was his heart-felt leadership of The Salvation Army’s response to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.  Norman and Louisa retired from Salvation Army active service in 2006.

Norm lived his faith.  Countless lives were impacted by his commitment to the Lord.  He is survived and deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife, Louisa of 65 ½ years, sons Randy (Tina), Douglas (Wendy), and Jason (Jean); grandsons Riley and Hayden, granddaughters Kayleigh, Karsyn, Lily, Ada, and Penelope; Brothers Ray and Floyd (Patricia), several nephews and nieces, and a number of sisters and brothers by marriage.

Memorial services with Military Honors will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Salvation Army, 1413 Second Avenue Conway, SC 29526 with a Fellowship meal to be held after the service.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM Saturday before the service.

Memorial contributions can be made online in his honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at donations@michaeljfox.org

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) is assisting the family with arrangements.