Carl Pershing Wood was born September 2, 1919 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He was the second of four children born to Roy and Birdie Wood. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Wood Stevenson and Susan Wood, and one brother, Beauford Wood. He was united in holy matrimony with Margaret Ruth Wood in 1956 and the loving couple was blessed with three daughters, Angela, Anita and Andrea.
At an early age, Carl accepted Christ and joined Mount Herman Presbyterian Church in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. After attending Swift Memorial Junior College in Rogersville, Tennesee, Carl was inducted into the United States Navy Medical Corp during World War II and served until his honorable discharge in 1946.
Carl spent his entire adult professional life working with youth and other related community causes and activities. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1949 and began his professional career as Physical Director of the Boys Clubs of Detroit. After receiving his Master of Arts degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, Carl became the Director of the Wenger Building Boys Clubs of Detroit. He was one of the first African-American directors in the Boys Club movement.
In 1966, Carl was asked to accept a position in St. Louis as the first Executive Director of the new Herbert Hoover Boys Club, which was being built on the site of the old Sportsman’s Park located at Grand Boulevard and Dodier Street in north St. Louis. During his tenure at Herbert Hoover Boys Club, Carl received numerous honors and awards recognizing his outstanding service to youth and administrative management ability, including the Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of his 30 years of service in the Boys Club movement. Under his leadership, Herbert Hoover Boys Club became known as one of the finest Boys Clubs in the nation. Carl held the Executive Director position until his retirement in 1987. He has been remembered as a pioneer in promoting African Americans into the executive ranks of the Boys Clubs of America.
Along with his wife Margaret, Carl was a faithful and active member of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church. Carl was a church Elder and Margaret continues to sing with the Chancel Choir. Carl always enjoyed attending church and engaging in fellowship with his church family every Sunday until illness prevented him from doing so.
One of Carl’s favorite past times was fishing. He was also an avid sports fan and particularly enjoyed football. In addition, Carl was very proud to be a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the Omega Elite organization. He truly loved his family and friends, and he never lost his keen sense of humor throughout his long illness.
Carl leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Margaret Wood; three daughters, Angela Wood Winston (Clifton) of Los Angeles, CA, Anita Wood of O’Fallon, Illinois and Andrea Wood Moss (Percy) of Chicago, Illinois; grandson, Aaron Winston of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter, Asia Winston McLain (Byron) of Los Angeles, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and church members.