Daniel Clayton Wood, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Clayton Wood Jr.. Danny left peacefully on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the age of 73, surrounded by loved ones who were singing his favorite church hymns, to help ease his transition. 

Danny was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 22,1951. He was the beloved son of Daniel Clayton Wood Sr. and Virginia Wood; he was also the cherished sibling of Leota Wood and Mike Wood, all of whom preceded him in death. 

Danny was a remarkable individual whose intelligence, dedication, and resourcefulness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His life was a rich tapestry of faith, family, AND his passion for all things sports and outdoors.

From a young age, Danny exhibited a remarkable zest for life and a love for learning that set him apart. He was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge. His intellectual prowess was evident in his academic achievements, most notably being honored as the valedictorian of Somerset High School. This prestigious recognition reflected not only his exceptional intellect but also his relentless dedication, discipline, and hard work. Danny's passion for learning extended beyond the classroom as he freely shared his knowledge, inspiring those around him. He embodied the perfect balance of intellectual brilliance, spiritual depth, and familial love, making him a cherished and respected figure in his community.

Danny's life was a testament to his deep love for God, his family, and his passions. He was a devout Christian whose faith became the cornerstone of his life. His unwavering commitment to his faith was evident in his active involvement with his church and his dedication to tithing, even during times of struggle. His spiritual beliefs were not just a part of his life—they defined it. Danny's kind heart and generous spirit made him a beloved member of his community, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand.

Danny began his warehousing career at HEB, where he quickly established himself as a dedicated and efficient worker. His ability to manage complex logistics and streamline operations earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his colleagues. Seeking new challenges and opportunities though, Danny transitioned to Hill Country Electric, where he spent the final years of his career. At Hill Country Electric, he continued to shine, earning the admiration not only of his peers but also of the company's owner. Danny's work ethic and problem-solving skills were second to none, making him an invaluable asset to the team. His presence in the workplace was not just about efficiency and productivity; he often brought humor and warmth to the environment, making even the toughest days a little brighter for those around him. 

Danny was a loving husband to Mitzie Wood, with whom he shared a beautiful marriage that spanned 46 years. They were married on December 17, 1977, and their relationship was built on a foundation of faith in the Lord. Their shared spirituality and commitment to each other created a bond that was unbreakable. Danny and Mitzie's love for one another was evident in every aspect of their lives, from the way they supported each other through life's challenges to the joy they found in simple, everyday moments together. Their home was open to anybody who needed help and was a place of warmth, laughter, and love, reflecting the deep connection they shared. Danny and Mitzie’s enduring partnership was an inspiration to all who knew them.

As anybody who knew Danny would tell you, his family was at the heart of everything he did. He was the cherished father and father-in-law of Terri Lynn Been (Steven Been), Jeffery Lee Wood, Joel Edward Wood (Melissa Wood), Jeremy Daniel Wood (Rebecca Wood), Jonathan Ray Wood (Rachel Wood), Larry Allen Barker, and Paul Barker (Vickie Barker). He was also the devoted grandfather and grandfather-in-law to Nathan Andrew Been, Nicholas Elton Been (Brittany Been), Gavin Hunter Been (Racheal Been) Steven Tyler Been, Paige Lynn Wood-Rowan, Tristen McKoy Wood (Abbey Wood), Ethan Donovan Lee Wood (Mallory Wood) Cassidee Faythe Wood, Caden Josiah Wood, Caleb Daniel Evans Wood, Colin Rain Wood, Alexis Ray Wood, Dominick Alexander Wood, Elijah Graham Wood, and Kaitlyn Hannah Wood. He was a proud great-grandfather to four boys: Cole Rowan, Ashton Rowan, Hudson Allen Lee Wood, and Matteo Saldana. Just before his passing, Danny had the joy of welcoming his first great-granddaughter, Freya Rosemary Been, into the family, a moment that brought him immense happiness.

Danny’s role as an engaged and enthusiastic father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather was defined by love and devotion. His pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was evident in his frequent travels across Texas to attend their sporting and extracurricular events as well as celebrations of any kind. His boundless love and support were the foundation of his family's strength and unity.

As a coach with an impressive 17-year career, Danny's teams NEVER failed to secure a first place ranking in football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. His rigorous yet supportive coaching style instilled in his players the importance of teamwork and strategic thinking, leaving a legacy of competitive excellence and shared victories. His love for sports was not only a passion but a way to connect and bond with his children and grandchildren.

Another significant passion of Danny’s was his extensive gun collection. Known for his meticulous care and pride in his firearms, Danny’s family would often joke that only the local gun store manager and the Baptist preacher had more guns than he did. Danny’s motto for his collection was to “take care of your guns so they can take care of you,” a philosophy he passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Beyond his professional and familial achievements, Danny was a practical joker, known for his inventive and humorous antics and his incredible sense of humor. He had a knack for turning any situation into a moment of laughter, from lighthearted pranks to setting off remote-activated devices at inopportune moments, Danny’s sense of humor brought laughter to those around him. His playful spirit and infectious laughter made him the life of any gathering, leaving lasting memories of joy and fun. His witty remarks and playful banter will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

Danny's profound impact on his family and friends will be remembered with great affection. His memory will live on through the lives he touched and the values he imparted. His legacy of faith, love, and humor remains with his loved ones.

A memorial service will be held to honor his remarkable life. Visitation/Viewing for Danny Wood will be Thursday, August 8, from 4-7 pm at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle. Danny will be cremated, but there will be a Memorial and Celebration of Life service on Friday, August 9, at 11 am at Devine First Baptist Church.