Stephen Oscar Wood

Stephen Oscar Wood passed away peacefully at home in Gadsden, AL on October 14, 2024 at the age of 62. Stephen was born in St. Louis, MO on August 21, 1962 to Eugene W. Wood, Jr & Ethel L. Wood. He treasured his time in Milwaukee, WI; Sugarland, TX; and Gadsden, AL. He attended Tuskegee University as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and graduated from Texas Southern University with a BS of Biology. He proudly boasted a strong pride for anything Texas. He was an equal opportunity Texas sports fan, especially against the state of Alabama. Upon graduation, his mother requested a graduation photo for Mother’s Day; this is how he was discovered and began an international modeling career. In 2008, he retired from his modeling career to become a hands-on father and entrepreneur. This strengthened his love of German cars, inspiring his corporate Mercedes Benz sales experience and SNA (Ste(v)e-Na-Audria) Investments LLC. Throughout the years, he volunteered as a beloved soccer coach, deputy sheriff, election worker, Smoke on the Falls BBQ judge, Gift to Gadsden instructor, and Way of the Cross. It would not be uncommon to find a hood of a car in the formal dining room or a vintage BMW motorcycle in the living room as a piece of art (*don’t touch the art*). It would also be common to see multiple cars in the driveway that might or might not run. You can also always catch him with something sweet to eat in his hands, wherein recently he smuggled brownies in return for bartered cookies. His favorite pastimes include supporting female soccer (especially Hawks, Tornadoes, Gadsden City, or UAB where his daughter thrived under his coaching), restoring cars (especially if it was a good buy or a gift), sharing funny internet content, and beating his daughter in a footrace. Stephen was preceded in death by his wife, Nathalla Johnette Elmore M.D. (2007), and his father, Eugene William Wood Jr (2010). He is survived by his mother Ethel L. Wood, daughter Audria S. Wood, his devoted partner Samantha C. Corker, non-human children (Tïeraghan, Zola, Baxter), his brother Eugene W. Wood III (Alexandre), his sister Karen A.Wood (Darlene), his niece Kendra G. Norwood, his nephews Eugene W. Wood IV & Kerry B. Norwood Jr, friends Dr. & Mrs. Haller alongside godchildren Megan & Allison, and a host of other family members and neighbors. Audria is in her third year at UAB Heersink School of Medicine, expected to graduate June 2026. Samantha is a loving and supportive teacher at Gadsden City High School and compassionate coach of the men’s soccer program. Her time as a Tornadoes co-coach and high school soccer coach is the foundation of her relationship with Stephen and Audria. Baxter has been drafted into an ongoing war with the squirrels. Tïeraghan is battling an addiction with cuddling. Zola remains loyal to the protection of her loving family. Special Thank You to Brandi Mims, staff and nurses at Aveanna (Chaneeka Thomas & Ashley Chambers), sitters (Marilyn, Stephanie, & Michelle), Gadsden Regional Medical Center (Dr. Katie Hardeman, Dr. Elquis Castillo, Dr. Sunil Jaiswal), and UAB Medical Team (Dr. Mehmet Akce, Dr. Vikas Dudeja, Dr. Salila Hashmi, Dr. Junaid Raja, CRNP April Blankenship). The service will be at Gadsden First United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11 am with visitation and meal to follow. Virtual options may be found at http://www.fumcgadsden.org/media In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Gadsden City High School’s Stephen Oscar Wood Memorial Pre-Health Scholarship. Visit https://fans.s2pass.com/link?id=QUw7UTBPeXVCYlFLOUJHQkNycTdPR0k=&op=shop “Designated Donations” or contact Gadsden City High School (1917 Black Creek Pkwy, Gadsden, AL 35904).

Stephen Oscar Wood

August 21, 1962 - October 14, 2024