Marvin Ely Wood

Marvin Ely Wood passed away quietly in his sleep on Saturday, September 9, 2017 after a short illness. Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at White's Funeral Home, 101 N.E. 4th Ave., Mineral Wells, 76067. Interment: Dobbs Valley Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at White's Funeral Home. Born February 11, 1928, Marvin lived his entire life in the Fort Worth area. He is preceded in death by two wives, Lona Parnell and Georgia Harris. The extended Wood family shared many happy memories at their property in Santo, near the Brazos River. Marvin knew every inch of the land where he would teach his grandchildren how to fish and identify different species of trees. Every morning they spent there, the family awoke to the comforting sounds of him strumming the guitar in front of the roaring fireplace. Music was a huge part of Marvin's life. He played guitar in several Western Swing bands over the decades, and wrote countless songs. "Playin' Dominoes and Shootin' Dice" was first recorded by Red Foley and, more recently and famously, by Willie Nelson (who, according to family legend, Marvin taught to play the guitar). But, Marvin continued to write songs well into his later years including "The Friendly Cuss That Robbed the Mingus Bank" and "Heaven Help Keep Western Swing Alive". Second only to music was his passion for golf. A lifetime member at Sugar Tree, Marvin was quick to help out players in need of advice or assistance with a tricky hole. Marvin will most likely be remembered for his friendly demeanor, quick smile, and seemingly endless jokes. He spent the last year of his life at the VA Home in Bonham and kept the entire staff in stitches from the moment he arrived to the day he left. Marvin Wood will be missed by everyone whose life he ever touched. Survivors: children, Chris Massey, Jerry Czyzak, Merry Nation, Wesley Wood, and Johnny Wood; 11 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.