Samuel Ralph Wood

Samuel Ralph Wood, age 88 of Ozark, Arkansas, formerly of Barling, Arkansas, died Saturday, May 29, 2021 in Clarksville, Arkansas. Ralph honorably served four years in the United States Navy and was veteran of the Korean War. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After his service he worked at the Ozark Police Department and the Van Buren Police Department before he served 39 years with the Fort Smith Police Department, retiring with the rank of Captain in 2001. Ralph was a member of the Eastside Baptist Church in Fort Smith, a Mason, and also a member of the Franklin County Cattleman’s Association. He was a longtime farmer. Ralph was born August 29, 1932 in Altus, Arkansas to Sam Henry and Mattie Lou McMinn Wood. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers RJ Wood and William Jack Wood; and three sisters, Mildred Pauline Wood Morris, Ruth Wood Padgett and Jennie Mizpath Wood Schmidt. He is survived by the mother of his children, longtime caregiver and devoted friend, Phillis Minton of Ozark a daughter Liby Wood Of Ozark, a son Richard Wood and wife Nancy of Clarksville, Arkansas; a brother, Don Wood and wife Betty of Ozark; three grandchildren, Kyle Eveld and wife Hannah of Ozark, Kayla Eveld of Little Rock, Arkansas and Sydney Cartwright of Lowell, Arkansas; a great grandson, Cash Cartwright of Lowell; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held from 6:00 Pm to 8:00 PM Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Shaffer Funeral Home 2315 West Commercial Street in Ozark. Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Highland Cemetery with Brother Jan Akins officiating under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark. Serving as pallbearers are Kyle Eveld, Todd Wood, Terry Wood, Randy Wood, Clint Wood and Jody Rupe. Honorary pallbearers are RJ Wood, Ricky Denton and the men and women of the Fort Smith Police Department. In lieu of flowers the family request the memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice To leave an online memorial visit www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

Samuel Ralph Wood

August 29, 1932 - May 29, 2021