FULTONDALE —
Don Wood made his home in Fultondale to be near his son and grandchildren, and has no regrets.
Wood, 77, and Joy, his wife of 55 years, are from Ohio. They made the journey to Alabama in 1996 when their first grandchild, Kayla Wood, arrived.
“We wanted to be close to her and not miss anything,” Don Wood said.
They now have another grandchild, Garrett Wood, 14. Kayla and Garrett are the children of Scott and Kimberly Wood of Gardendale. Don and Joy also have a daughter, Lori Wood.
Don Wood is retired now from a career of driving. In Alabama, he drove for Barber Dairy, and drove for another dairy while living in Ohio.
Before his civilian career, Uncle Sam called Wood into the U.S. Army in the late 1950s, shortly after he got married. For two years he served at Fort Knox, Ky., as a clerk typist.
Today, Wood splits his time between home and the Fultondale Senior Center.
At home, he spends time working in the yard, where he has more than 50 azaleas along with other flowers and plants.
He no longer grows vegetables, though.
“When we moved to Alabama, my wife said, ‘No vegetables. I’m not canning anymore!’” Wood said with a laugh.
He is a regular visitor at the senior center, going there three or four days a week.
“I love the camaraderie,” he said. “I like mixing with everyone and the friendships we have. Everyone is so friendly.”
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