Butler "Dean" Wood passed peacefully on Sunday March 8, 2026 at the age of 73. The family will receive friends from 4-6pm on Friday March 13 at Shives Funeral Home at 7600 Trenholm Road in Columbia. A private service will take place at Eastminster Presbyterian Church where Dean will be laid to rest beside his beloved late wife, Molly.

Born June 22, 1952 in Columbia, South Carolina, Dean was the son of Mary Vincent and Gettis Wood. After graduating from AC Flora High School, he attended The Citadel and later graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Newberry College in 1974.

Dean was active with many community and professional organizations, serving full terms as President of The Business Leaders of America, President of The Data Processing Management Association, and President of The Sertoma Club. He enjoyed his involvement in the Columbia Sailing Club, Forest Lake Club, Tarantella, and The Camellia Ball.

Dean was a member of the Eastminster Presbyterian Church diaconate for many years, where he also taught Sunday School and served as a founding member of the church plant New Kirk Presbyterian.

Dean found great joy volunteering with the Carolina Children's Home, where he established a woodworking shop for the older children who fondly gave him his nickname, "Mr. Tree" (which was a nod to his height and last name).

Above all else, Dean was a dedicated and loving caregiver for his late wife, Molly Lohr Wood, who required assistance due to Multiple Sclerosis. As his wife's disease progressed, Dean rarely left her side, doing all he could to keep her laughing. Dean built Molly a wheelchair accessible raised flower garden, and the two of them loved spending time together outdoors with their dogs, or going on long scenic drives with the convertible top down. Dean often remarked that to love and care for her was the reason he was put on this earth.

Dean was a gregarious and likeable man, appreciated for his kindness, good-humor, and generosity. He loved to sail, build boats, and spend time outdoors fishing or camping with his friends. Dean was proud to be "Hop Pop" to his two granddaughters and enjoyed sparking their curiosity with each loving visit.

He is survived by his brother Dr. David Gardner Wood (Brad Barrios) of Sante Fe, New Mexico, two daughters Emily Grace Wood (Connor Madden) of Marshall, North Carolina, and Sarah Wood Brennecke (Taylor Brennecke); and two granddaughters Molly Rhett Brennecke and Harriette Grace Brennecke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Avenue Columbia, SC 29205.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.