John (Johnny) Ralls Wood, 85, of Talladega, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025. Born May 10, 1940 at Pensacola Hospital. Lived in Attalla, AL until age 12, at which time his family moved to Pensacola. His subsequent upbringing and career was in Escambia County Florida until moving back to Alabama in 1996.

John was an Electronics Technician who could repair nearly anything; from the old vacuum tube TV’s (being one of the first technicians trained on Color TV’s in Pensacola) to the latest electronics. Employed as a Service Technician by Sears & Roebuck. His tenure at Sears was from the early 1960’s through his retirement in 1995.

His achievements in his profession was only overshadowed by his community service. Joining the Myrtle Grove Volunteer Fire Department (MGVFD) in the 1970’s; serving over a period of 25 years. He saw the establishment of the departments Rescue Squad; personally attending night school where he became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to enhance his service beyond firefighting alone. He served as chief the last 10 years with MGVFD. In 1990, through his leadership, MGVFD achieved an Insurance Service Office rating “ISO-4”. This achievement not only provided savings on insurance cost to the community, but also was the first ‘volunteer’ department to attain the rating in the state of Florida. His service broadened when he began serving on the board of directors of Escambia County Volunteer Firefighters Association. His dedication was evident to those around him. John Sims, Escambia County’s fire protection coordinator said at the time, “(Wood) cared about the people in his community, and he took the job seriously. He has touched the lives of thousands of people in Escambia County over the years.” And fellow chief from a neighboring Ensley said that John was, “one of the hidden guys behind the scenes that was able to work very hard for fire service in the county.” And also added that, “Myrtle Grove has always been one of the top-notch departments. They set the example for a lot of people for a long time.”

John is survived by; and (literally) married the girl next door; Emogene (Ardis). The two of them raised three children Jimmy (wife Rita), Cindy, and Michael (wife Robin). They have two grandchildren: Rebekah (husband Mark) and Nathanael (wife Stephanie). They have also enjoyed seeing their nine great-grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his Father Charles Ralls Wood, Mother Mildred (Sitz) Wood, siblings Joseph C. Wood and Martha Stewart as well as cousins.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am (Viewing at 10:00). Location: Usrey Funeral Home, 21271 US-231, Pell City, AL 35125. Internment: at Oak Hill Cemetery, Attalla, AL following the Funeral Service (note: internment will close with a prayer, but no service at the site).

Lastly, John was a member of Faith Baptist Church (Pell City) from which his nephew David Wood (Pastor Emeritus) and his son Daniel Wood (Pastor). They will be officiating the Funeral Service. This is not the last chapter, for we know the scripture and John’s profession of faith. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 15:54 “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfunerlhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home - Pell City is assisting the family.