July 11, 1931-May 22, 2022
Ray H. Wood (Raphael Hunter Wood), 90, passed away May 22, 2022, in St. George, Utah. He was born July 11, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, son of Ray G. and Mary Hunter Wood. He graduated from West High School and from the University of Utah where he met and married Dolores Ann Aylett, in the Logan Temple on Aug. 8, 1955.
Ray served as a first lieutenant in the Judge Advocate Corps of the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1961. He served a mission to England from 1950 to 1952, where he was the District President of the Leeds District.
After practicing law for a brief period, he began his accounting career with the international accounting firm of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., working in the Salt Lake, Denver and San Jose, California, offices where he became a partner, retiring in 1982. He was then employed by the LDS Church as Director of Tax Administration for 15 years. He also served for over 12 years on the Utah State Tax Review Committee.
His many years of church service included Seminary and Institute teacher, Bishopric Member, Bishop, Member of Stake Presidencies and Stake President of the Salt Lake Eagle Gate Stake, where after serving for 2 ½ years, he was called to the Second Quorum of the Seventy and served with his faithful wife by his side in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency, and as a temple ordinance worker and sealer. At the time of his death, he was an Emeritus General Authority Seventy.
Ray and Ann lived for their family. Their home was a sanctuary for safety from the world and a refuge where love and trust existed. Music, reading, service to others and the good things of life were taught in refined and dignified ways. Family prayers, scripture study, regular family home evenings, Sabbath Day “Patriarchal Hours”, Saturday yard work and home duties were routinely done together, including even shopping together as a family, followed by a barbecue and a swim in the pool. Family reunions, held later for many years, included Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, Hawaii, scenic parks, a European cruise and even a foray to an African game park, were happy destinations. All were given the opportunity to serve missions and attend college. Families are forever.
He is survived by his beloved companion of 66 years, Ann, children Laurie Ann (Mark) Ruben, Las Vegas, Nevada, Lizabeth (Charles) Walton, Campbell, California, Lisa Wood, Salt Lake City, Utah, Heather Lynne (Lance) Remund, Layton, Utah, Ray G. Wood, Irving, Texas, and Bradley Paul (Sharee) Wood, Peach Tree City, Georgia, 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Ray is preceded in death by his two sisters, Marilyn Davis and Fran Schulthess.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, Utah.
For family and friends who are unable to attend, click here to view the funeral service online.
The first visitations were held on Tuesday at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, and another will be offered Thursday morning at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Ray’s online guest book.