Gene Wood

Longtime Walla Walla resident, Gene Wood, 72, passed away January 14, 2014 at Harborview Medical Center.

Gene was born January 11, 1942, in Dayton, WA to Alice and Frank Wood. He graduated from Pasco High School in 1960. Gene owned Bud & Gene's Auto Body in Walla Walla and then moved to North Carolina to follow his dream to work on a NASCAR team painting stock cars and working with the pit crew during races.

In his early years, Gene raced his own stock cars at speedways around the Pacific Northwest. Gene returned to Walla Walla in 2002 where he lived with Sharon until 2009. Gene's love for NASCAR continued as he faithfully watched every Sunday during racing season. He enjoyed his friendly games of pool most days of the week and spending time with his daughters and grandkids in Spokane.

Gene is survived by his daughters Gena and April; granddaughter, Jordyn; and grandsons, Conor, Hunter and Ryan.

Memorial Services will be held at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder, Walla Walla WA 99362 on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 3:00PM. Memorial contributions may be made at Blue Mountain Humane Society through the funeral home.