Melvin "Sonny" Wood's Obituary
Melvin “Sonny” Wood, age 90 of Sterling Heights, Michigan and formerly of Hazel Park, Michigan passed away on September 3, 2023 at American House Sterling Woods. He was born on August 14, 1933 in Franklin, North Carolina to Clyde and Margaret Wood.
Beloved Husband of Betty Wood for 69 years. Father of Johnnie Wood, Donald (Karen) Wood, Debra (James) Wood and Robert (Cheryl) Wood. Grandfather of Melissa Wood, Kimberly (Dave) Juhassz, Brian (Stephanie) Wood, Donald (Elizabeth) Wood, Shannon Smits, Traci (Aaron) Salo, Garrett Smits, Destinee (Scott) Doutry and Ethan (Stephanie) Wood. Great-Grandfather of 14.
Sonny was a “jack of all trades” and lived a very full life. A cement finisher by trade, he was a self-taught brick mason, building additions and fireplaces for several of his children. He loved the outdoors and was an outstanding fisherman. Whether fishing the canals in Algonac or on the ice on Anchor Bay, he always walked away with a large catch that he expertly fileted for his family.
If he wasn’t trading hunting dogs he was trading cars, sometimes trading dogs for cars. He loved his hotrods and shared his knowledge of rebuilding an engine and bodywork with his 3 sons.
He passed his love of vegetable gardening on to his daughter, competing to see who had the first and largest tomato. He loved music, especially the blues and he frequently asked his grandchildren to burn CDs of something new he heard on TV. You could often hear him playing his electric guitar (loudly) when arriving at his home in Hazel Park.
In later years Sonny loved to hop in the car with Betty and head south…to the casino. They enjoyed the slots together like a couple of kids in a candy shop.
He always had a story to tell, a tall tale of sorts, to entertain those around him. He leaves behind many fond memories and will be greatly missed by his family and especially his loving wife, Betty.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with the Funeral Service at 6:00 pm at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R. Road, (1 block N. of 13 Mile Road, west side of John R. Road), Madison Heights, Michigan. Burial will be at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, Michigan.
What’s your fondest memory of Melvin "Sonny"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Melvin "Sonny"?
Share a story where Melvin "Sonny"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Melvin "Sonny" you’ll never forget.
How did Melvin "Sonny" make you smile?
