A house RESOLUTION

to EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Lieutenant Michael Charles Wood, jr., OF newberry COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Lieutenant Michael Charles Wood, Jr., of the Newberry Police Department in the line of duty at the age of forty-eight on Wednesday, July 26, 2023; and

Whereas, born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 14, 1975, he was a son of Marilyn Jernigan Wood of Aiken and of the late Michael Charles Wood, Sr., and was reared in a loving family with his brother, William Wood of Aiken; and

Whereas, in 1998, Michael Wood earned a bachelor's degree from Newberry College where he played football.  He served on the board of the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District, and he was a faithful member of Wightman United Methodist Church.  Devoted to his community, he served the community's youth as a Boy Scout leader and a youth baseball coach; and

Whereas, since 2003, he served with the Newberry Police Department, and in 2017, he earned the rank of lieutenant.  To serve the community he loved, Lieutenant Wood organized the Walk and Talk Community Outreach Health Initiative.  His dedicated service was recognized with the Life Saving Award and the "ADP" Award from the City of Newberry; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Jennifer Elizabeth Wood, he reared two fine sons, Brandon Wood and Alexander Wood.  Blessed with a loving extended family, Lieutenant Wood also enjoyed kinship with his special brothers-in-blue, Richard Mercer and Adrian Navarrete; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Lieutenant Michael Charles Wood, Jr., and for his example of selfless service, remarkable bravery, and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Lieutenant Michael Charles Wood, Jr., of Newberry County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lieutenant Michael Charles Wood, Jr.

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