William E. "Bill" Wood

William E. “Bill” Wood, 84, of Chicora, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home early Sunday morning, January 4, 2026.

William was born in Butler on September 26, 1941.  He was the son of the late Lawrence E. “Bud” and Helen D. “Dot” Barney Wood.

He was a 1959 graduate of Chicora High School and a United State Air Force Veteran, having served in Guam during the beginning phases of the Vietnam War.  He retired as a train engineer following 30 years of service at Armco in Butler.  He was a member of the American Legion Post in Chicora, the VFW in Kane, The Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association, and the National Rifle Association.  He was a life member of the Chicora United Methodist Church and had served the church as a board member.  In his earlier years, Bill was an avid hunter and looked forward to spending time at his camp near Kane.  He was a race car enthusiast, traveling to many race tracks far and wide.  He enjoyed attending area steam engine shows.  Bill was a collector of Farmall tractors and enjoyed rebuilding tractor engines with his grandchildren, and buying, restoring, and selling farm equipment.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Jane Smith Wood, whom he married at the Chicora United Methodist Church on October 2, 1999.  Also surviving are two daughters, Lisa A. Curry and her husband, Glen, of Hopewell Twp. and Melinda K. Wood of Butler; his grandchildren, Griffin W. Curry and his fiancée, Alexis Graef, of Moon Twp., Sean F. Curry of Hopewell Twp.; his stepsons, Dennis E. Roudebush Sr. and his wife, Kim, of Herman and Steven M. Roudebush and his wife, Barbara, of Astatula, FL, as well as seven step grandchildren and thirteen step great grandchildren, and many friends from work, Brian Beblo and many others who visited Bill during his final days.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith A. Holben Wood, whom he married at Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church in Chicora on July 21, 1962.  Mrs. Wood passed away on December 5, 1990.  He was also predeceased by two step granddaughters, Carolyn and Brittany Roudebush, as well as a number of aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday.  A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the funeral home with the Rev. Beverly Roscoe, pastor of the Chicora United Methodist Church, officiating.  Interment will be in Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora. Military honors will be accorded by members of the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion Posts at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chicora United Methodist Church, PO Box 502, Chicora, PA 16025.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William E. "Bill" Wood, please visit our floral store.