Allen Elmore Wood Jr.

Posted on April 30, 2025

Allen Elmore Wood Jr. was born in Iddo, Fla., July 27, 1940, to parents Allen Wood Sr. and Eunice Rowell Wood. He departed this life on April 26, 2025, at the age of 84. He and his two sisters, Carol and Elizabeth, grew up on a farm in Shady Grove. Allen graduated from Taylor County High School in 1958. After graduating. he moved to Lakeland and married Lila. Allen had a servant’s heart and dreamed of joining the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). He began his career as a dispatcher for three years until he was heavy enough to become a state trooper. He was stationed in Miami, where he had a successful career and worked his way up to lieutenant in FHP’s Internal Affairs unit. After retiring Allen returned to Perry where he lived the rest of his life in his family’s farm home. After moving back home to Perry, he dedicated his time to the Freemasons, quickly moving up ranks and becoming Grand Master of Perry Lodge 123 and later District Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of Florida. He was an active member of Marzuq Shrine in Perry, where he helped with Bingo nights, drove a Shriner “Crazy Wheels” cart in local parades and served as treasurer for many years. He mentored many up and coming Freemasons over the years, developing many powerful, lifelong friendships. In 2022, he was appointed Grand Tyler for the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida, a very prestigious title for all of his years of exemplary service. Allen faithfully attended Sunday services and Wednesday night dinners at First United Methodist Church. Allen loved spending time with his grandchildren, his dear friend, Eunice Higgs, and being “Pa” to Lucas, Ledger and Estella. In honor of Allen’s life and service, funeral services were held Tuesday, April 29, at 1 p.m. at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service, and interment followed at Pisgah Cemetery with Masonic Services.