Ben Frank Wood

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (ESV)

On January 28, 2026, Ben Wood completed his time on this earth and entered into his eternal reward.

He was born on April 16, 1930, to Ben F. and Lillie Wood (Bowman). The oldest of four children, Ben spent his early years learning all he could from his father about farming, raising chickens, and caring for livestock. When Ben was just 13 years old, his 83-year-old father passed away, leaving him to help his mother as the oldest son. (Yes, you did the math right—his father was 70 when he was born and he was the oldest of four… but that’s a story for another time.)

At the age of 14, Ben encountered Jesus Christ in a deeply personal way that forever changed the trajectory of his life. He surrendered his life to Christ and became a devoted branch of the one true Vine. Another life-changing moment came when he set his eyes on a Coplin girl from Beech Bluff. In 1950, Ben married Peggy, and together they began a journey that would impact countless lives for the Kingdom.

In addition to farming, Ben was a gifted carpenter, electrician, plumber, painter—just about anything he set his mind to. He established himself as a reliable and respected member of the community in Milan, Tennessee. A daughter was added to the family, and life was going well in the Wood household, but God was preparing Ben for another calling.

In 1963, Ben surrendered to the call to preach the Gospel, and he spent the rest of his life faithfully sharing God’s Word and pouring into others. In 1967, he and Peggy adopted their son, Benjie, completing their family. Throughout his ministry, Ben pastored four churches: Laneview Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Tom’s Creek Baptist Church, and Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Peggy faithfully walked beside him in ministry, serving alongside him as he shepherded the flocks entrusted to his care.

Ben leaves behind a legacy of loving others, investing deeply in young families, and above all, faithfully preaching the Word—in season and out of season. You never came to hear Ben Wood preach for a self-help message; you came to hear the Gospel and to be shown that Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He never hesitated to share his love for Christ, regardless of the circumstance.

In addition to carpentry and pastoring, Ben spent ten years teaching general building trades at Perry County High School. During that time, he invested countless hours into the lives of the teenagers who passed through his classroom, teaching them far more than how to cut a straight line or drive a nail without bending it. He taught them about the love of Christ by living it out before them every single day.

After retiring from carpentry, teaching, and preaching, Ben and Peggy returned to Jackson, Tennessee, to be closer to family—and most importantly, their grandchildren. “Granddaddy” Ben was a character all his own. He no longer cared if plates were clean or meals were eaten at prescribed times. Honey buns, ice cream, and donuts became standard fare in a house where they had seldom been found before. His children were baffled by this change, but his grandchildren loved it—and that was all that mattered.

If they wanted a pony, they got a pony. If they wanted a bunny, he went into the rabbit business. Chickens and fresh eggs were plentiful, and every visit to Grandmomma and Granddaddy’s house was an adventure. He was known to say, “I wouldn’t take a million dollars for any one of them… but I wouldn’t give you a plug nickel for another one.” He had a unique way of saying exactly what he meant.

In 2017, Ben lost his bride of 67 years. Though he continued on alone, he never stopped running his race. He began an in-home Bible study and continued sharing the Gospel with everyone God placed in his path. He finished the race the same way he started it—giving everything he had. His very first sermon was from John 15, and his life consistently reflected that calling to bear fruit for his Lord.

Ben was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Coplin Wood, his parents, and his brothers and sisters. In his own words, “I have outlived just about everybody I know.” While that may be true, his influence will live on through the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna Wood Roleson (Jim); his son, Benjie Wood (Jan); and five grandchildren: Alex Arriaga (Arlene), Abbie Wood, Kelley Wood, Lillie Wood, and Stephen Wood (Chelsea). He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, as well as a spiritual legacy that will continue to impact communities for generations.

The family extends a special thank you to his loving caregivers, who became part of Team Brother Ben during the final months of his life. Larry Russell, Jackie Ross, Anita Sweat and Wendy Parchman made his last chapter on earth a truly special time, allowing him to remain in the final house he ever built—and the one he proudly called home.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

Welcome home, Ben. Your work on earth is finished, and your crown awaits.