Obituary of Roger Allan Wood

Roger Allan Wood, age 81, of Midland, Michigan, formerly of Bay City, passed away on May 24, 2026, with his loving family by his side. His life was marked by faith, humor, hard work, and deep devotion to the people he loved. Born on August 9, 1944, in Bay City, he carried the steady values of his upbringing throughout his life and into every room he entered.

Roger lived as a Christian not only in name, but in action, and those who knew him saw a man who tried to walk humbly, love generously, and keep his heart turned toward the Lord. His faith was central to who he was and as a lifetime member of Fremont Avenue United Methodist Church (now Grace UMC), he was the kind of person who made people feel welcome. Roger was deeply committed to his church community and served with sincerity and devotion. He could always be counted on for a kind word and a helping hand. He believed in living fully, loving deeply, and trusting God through every season of life.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and he carried that sense of duty and discipline with him long after his four years of military service ended. Roger earned an Associate Degree from Delta College, reflecting the same steady determination that guided so much of his life. He worked as a Journeyman Electrician for General Motors and later Delphi for 37 years. He was hard working, resourceful, and had a knack for figuring out what needed to be done without making a grand production out of it. Roger could fix what was broken, explain what was complicated, and make it all look easier than it was, while maintaining his characteristic humor and care.

Roger enjoyed an active life filled with cycling, snow skiing, water skiing, boating, and playing card games. He cherished the time spent teaching his children and grandchildren to enjoy these same activities. Roger and his wife Bonnie spent much of their summers at their cottage on Higgins Lake with their children and grandchildren. Many fond memories of activities in the water and on the boat are tied closely to Roger and the times spent with his loved ones. Roger was always willing to take out the boat for a round of tubing or water skiing, often decked out in his captain’s hat and a Higgins Lake t-shirt. Roger has also passed on his love for bike rides, taking every grandchild for trips around his neighborhood and soothing them over every “bumpity-bump.” They will remember him for his joyful nature, steady presence, and gentleness.

He was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Caroline Wood, his brother, Wayne Wood, and his father-in-law, Jack Bishop. Roger was especially devoted to his mother, and that dedication reflected the tenderness and loyalty that were woven into his character.

Family meant everything to Roger. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Bonnie (Bishop) Wood, who shared his life for 57 years and loved him dearly. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Irene Bishop, with whom he had a special and treasured relationship. Roger is also survived by his sister, Lynne Parrott (Richard), along with his brother-in-law, Michael Bishop (Lori), along with many loved nieces and nephews who will carry forward memories of his warmth and good nature.

Roger leaves behind a large and cherished family that includes his children, Lisa Carter (Benjamin), Ashley Stothard, and Ryan Wood (Angie). Roger had eight beautiful grandchildren that will remember their Papa with love; Alicyn, Carley Dryden (Ethan), Shane, Nathan, Ella, Layla, Noah, and Jonah and one much loved great-grandson, Jason Allan. Each of them has been blessed by his presence, his guidance, and his love. He took joy in being a husband, father, grandfather, and family anchor, and he offered his family something that cannot be measured in words alone. He gave them an example of what it means to live for Jesus, to love well, and laugh much.

His life was a blessing, his example was a gift, and his memory will remain a comfort to all who knew him. While his earthly journey has ended, his faithful spirit leaves behind a legacy of devotion, joy, and hope that will continue to shine in the lives of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Bay Shore Camp’s Youth Scholarship Fund, MyMichigan Hospice, or Grace United Methodist Church. Roger and Bonnie were deeply grateful to Corie and Matthew at MyMichigan Hospice for their tender care.

Roger's celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Fremont Avenue Methodist Church (now Grace UMC, East), 510 Fremont Street, Bay City, Michigan. The family will receive friends at church prior to the service from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at 2:00 pm.  Rev. Dr. Eric Kieb will officiate.  To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.