Michael Scott Wood, age 41, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023. He was surrounded by loved ones when he left this world behind. There is no doubt that those who went before him came back to take his hand and lead him home.

Michael was diagnosed with Down syndrome at the time of his birth. His diagnosis came with a lot of “professional opinions” about who he would and would not be, all that he could and could not do…attempts to assess the value of the life he would live. The good news is that none of us are defined by the opinions of others, regardless of their credentials. Only God can assess the value of a life, and Michael was truly one of His most beautiful gifts.

Michael’s story is one of love and laughter, of gentle kindness, of adversity overcome, of a life well-lived. Those who were blessed to know him will never forget how he touched their hearts and how they could not help smiling when he was around. You may have seen Michael sitting down to a meal at Cracker Barrel or waiting on the bench at the front of Walmart for “Maw” to finish shopping. He never met a stranger. If you took the time to say hello, he most certainly asked your name followed by a barrage of questions about your family. He loved to meet people and hear their stories.

When at home, Michael spent his time watching classic television. His favorite shows included the Dukes of Hazzard, Gunsmoke, Full House, The Golden Girls, Three’s Company, and The Andy Griffith Show. He enjoyed wholesome stories with happy endings. At any moment, he was likely to quiz those around him about a particular actor or the storyline of the latest episode he’d seen. It was best in those moments to simply acknowledge the brilliance of John Ritter and Tom Wopat. Any other approach would result in an argument that could not be won.

Some of Michael’s fondest memories were of his time spent at SEEK (Summer Events for Exceptional Kampers) Camp. He looked forward to his week at camp every year. He regularly started talking about plans for the next year before he even arrived back home. SEEK Camp provided Michael a chance to sing and dance…to swim and play games…to experience independence in a safe environment. He made lasting friendships, grew stronger in his faith, and had so much fun.

Anyone that knew Michael undoubtedly knows Barbara “Maw” Green as well. Caring and providing for Michael has been her life’s work and a labor of love. Michael is survived by Barbara “Maw” Green; Brenda Holcomb and husband, Dennis; Terri Stewart and husband, Marty; Lisa Sawyer; Glen Sawyer and wife, Kim; Jamey Hall and husband, Jon; Kim Newland and husband, Mike; a large group of loving cousins, extended family members, and close friends. Michael’s memory will live forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Young Adult SEEK Camp in Michael’s memory.

Donations can be made at https://ntcumc.org/. Select “Donations” at the bottom of the page. Use the general Donation option and indicate “Young Adult SEEK Camp in Memory of Big Mike” as the event.