https://www.weaverfh.com/obituaries/Claude-Berton-Wood?obId=31196844 Claude Berton Wood, 76 years of age, went to be with his Lord and Savior, on April 13th following two falls from which he did not recover. He was the only child of Stewart and Mae Cassell Wood. After moving from Gray Station Claude resided in Bristol, VA from early childhood through his graduation from Virginia High School, at which time he attended Carolina School of Broadcasting. Claude was drafted during the Vietnam War and did his basic training at Fort Bragg, NC, followed by Electronic School at Fort Bliss, TX and a two-year assignment at Nike Hercules Missile Site in Germany where he worked in maintenance of electronic systems. Following an honorable discharge from the Army, Claude pursued his interest in broadcasting and was employed as a DJ at several radio stations including WOPI, WGAT and WKIN where he was known as Charley O’Day, or “Good Times Charley.” Claude later became the 11:00 news anchorman at WJHL TV in Johnson City. He started his own video production company, CW Productions, and later partnered with Masters Entertainment Group where they contracted with ESPN2 for various IHRA shows as well as “World of Trucks.” This was a career that he loved, working both behind the camera and as host & editor, as it allowed him to travel all over the US. Claude enjoyed a life-long hobby of ham radio, and was a “purist” using Morse Code. Claude’s other favorite pastime was baseball which he loved since his childhood years in Little League. Claude grew up worshipping at Bradley Street Baptist Church where he made lifelong friends. Throughout his life Claude also attended Victory Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church where he played the guitar, served as a deacon and as the Director of the TV Ministry respectively. Upon passing he was a member of First United Methodist Church. Family was a priority to Claude. He is survived by his daughter, Denise Wood, and two grandchildren Kayla Pittman and Zachary Pittman, whom he adored. He was the beloved stepfather of Dr. Nance Riffe and Mister Eric Riffe. Claude is also survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Wanda Mahood Wood. His dog, Kooper, is lost without him, and oh how dearly Claude loved Kooper! The family wishes to thank the ER physicians, Dr. Burt, his neurosurgeon, and his team for the wonderful care extended to Claude. We would be remiss if we didn’t thank Tammy and Debbie, and the amazing caregivers in ICU 4, from the respiratory specialists, the anesthesiologist, and the entire team of doctors who had a part in caring for Claude, we are beyond grateful. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 with the service celebrating Claude's life following at 2:00 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Scott Price is conducting his service. Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
