Bedford Wood, USS Perry DC3 51-55 June 14, 2005 ![]() To all hands having had the privilege to have known Bedford Wood, better known to his buddies and shipmates as Woodie, it is with regret that one of Perry's finest, at age 71 has taken his Final Voyage on June 9th, 2005 due to complications from lung and colon surgery. Woodie was very proud of his service aboard the USS Perry DD-844 and his involvement with our Reunion Association and was an inspiration to us all. As was stated by his son Gary, his involvement in the USS Perry organization over the past several years brought him back to his youth and filled him with pride and joy. It seems like yesterday that we spoke about getting together at the NJ Tin Can Sailor 'Bull Session'. He wished very much to be with us but wasn't feeling up to par. We thank the Lord he was able to attend our 4th reunion in Charleston and share his memories and wonderful family with us all. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his lovely wife Bernadette, Bunny, and sons Gary & Bryan, both of whom he was especially proud of. Woddy's son Bryan who joined us in Charleston was then serving as Associate Counsel Naval Sea Systems Command for the US Marine Corps in the Pentagon. Ironically, Bryan & Admiral David Pruett were good friends as were their dad's Wil & Woody. Woodie may be 'gone but not forgotten'. His charm, humor and warm mannerisms will always be in our memories and will be recalled at our next reunion when we pay tribute to our shipmates that have taken their final voyage since our last gathering. Along with all the other shipmates that preceded him, Woodie will be logged into our websites Perry memorial register.
USS Perry Reunion AssociationUSS PERRY DD-844 27 years of dedicated service to our country www.ussperry.com |