Burch Wood

Burch Wood was born in Clarksville, GA to Margaret and Homer. He grew up in the mountains with his four brothers Barry, Bronn, Bruce, and Brady. When he was young, Burch spent years designing and building houses in beautiful Clayton, GA with his brothers under Wood Brothers Construction. At 21 years old, he started his own family with the birth of Sharla. Burch soon met Brenda, whom he always said was the “love of his life” and moved to Newport, TN where they welcomed Little Burch and Nicole. In Newport, Burch bought I-40 Texaco in 1973–a fabled place. The timeless, hilarious stories about I-40 Texaco are passed down through the generations to this day. Burch owned and operated the gas and service station until 1995. Burch started Newport Tire and Service in 1987. He did tire service, ran a 24-hour wrecker business, rented trailers and cars, and sold John Deere equipment until 2014. Just like I-40 Texaco, Burch created a business where people could not only come to service their cars but also laugh and catch up. Burch’s friends and family were often around just be with him and enjoy an afternoon. Burch was also known for his kindness for all living things. He lovingly raised generations of Hereford and Angus cattle. Everyday he would rise early to not only feed his herd, but the wild turkey, deer, and birds. These wild animals met him at their daily feeding spots in anticipation of their breakfast for decades. His kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews remember him fearlessly careening up steep hills in the gator singing or whistling on his way to feed his animals. In general, Burch loved to be outdoors, and would spend full days behind the wheel of a pontoon boat with his family and a full cooler on board. His love for his family was indescribable. He had a gentle way of drawing them closer. He adored his mother, Margaret, who taught him the work ethic that characterized his entire life. His bond with his brothers was deep and unbreakable, and his devotion to his wife, Brenda, of 48 years, was unending. He was also an invaluable and loyal friend to so many, especially Carl, his brother-in-law who he spent innumerable days working with him at the tire store and the farm. The greatest of his many titles was Papaw. He made each of his grandchildren feel specially adored by him. There is much to say about Burch Wood. He was an extremely intelligent and multi-faceted man while also being remarkably simple. He was proud of his deep Appalachian roots, of which his thick accent was a dead giveaway, and was working on an oral history of his important and storied past in the region. He was known by his many friends and family as an exceedingly kind, accepting, and peaceful man. Brother, Dad, Papaw, Uncle, We will think of you always and find peace that you are reunited with Homer Wood, Margaret Wood, Barbara Wood, Bronn Wood, and Brenda Wood, who we know you missed dearly. You have a long list of family who proudly carry on your legacy, including Sharla Wood Butler (Joey Hartman), Burch Wood (Elizabeth), Nicole Taylor (April), Ben Clark, David Butler, Margaret Butler, Ella Taylor, Cameron Taylor, Jacob O’Bryan, Jake Hartman, Maggie Hartman, great-granddaughter Mae Clark, your brothers Bruce Wood, Barry Wood, and Brady Wood, brother-in-law Carl Cook and sisters-in-law Laverne Cook, Maxine Wood, Sara Wood, Sandra Wood, who he loved like sisters and many special nieces and nephews. Burch Wood died on June 25, 2025 at 79 years old in East Tennessee. Receiving of friends will be Friday, June 27th at Manes Funeral Home in Newport, TN from 5-7pm. Graveside services for family and close friends will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Dandridge, TN on June 28th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Park Foundation in his honor. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Burch Wood

July 16, 1945 - June 25, 2025