Harry Gordon Wood

Harry Gordon Wood, 85, of Orange died Friday, November 8, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at North Orange Baptist Church on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11 am. Visitation will begin at 10 am. 

Mr. Wood was born December 12, 1938, to Leslie Allen and Annie Mae Wood of Hillsboro, Texas, the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1957 where he excelled in basketball. He attended Navarro Junior College playing basketball and later transferred to Baylor University where he graduated in 1963 with a BA degree in history.

Mr. Wood was a career journalist and newspaper man. For more than 30 years he was a newspaper reporter, editor, and publisher. After working at the San Angelo Standard Times, he became editor of the Hillsboro Daily Mirror. He then became State Editor of the Hot Springs Sentinel Record followed by the Texarkana Gazette. He then moved his family to Port Neches where he served as editor of the Port Arthur News from 1977-1984. Mr. Wood was then transferred to the Orange Leader as publisher. For 10 years he owned his own company, Southeast Texas Publications, and worked closely with the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce to publish the Metropolitan Beaumont Magazine and the Southeast Texas Business Journal. He retired from Lamar Institute of Technology serving as their Director of Public Information and Development.

Mr. Wood was heavily involved in the communities where he lived. He served as Club President and Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International, Chairman of the Southeast Texas Private Industry Council, Chairman of the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation, Chairman of Southeast Texas, Inc, President of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of United Way in Orange and Port Arthur and worked closely with the American Red Cross in Orange and Port Arthur.

He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at North Orange Baptist Church for more than 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and first wife, Helen Bruner and infant daughter.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Deana Wood and two children, Amy Brister and husband Mike of Orange, and Sam Wood and wife Amber of Wimberley, Texas. Four granddaughters that he loved dearly, Meghan Baumgardner and her husband Chad, Brooke Brister, Grace Hester and Maddie Wood. One great-granddaughter Jane Baumgardner along with many nieces and nephews. 

He would sum up his life by saying the most important thing to know about him was his unwavering love for Christ and his dedication in leading others to Jesus. His life was a testament to his faith. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a memorial contribution to North Orange Baptist Church or The Gideons International.