Billy Joe Wood

Billy Joe Wood, Age 78 of Elmburg, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the University of Louisville Hospital in Shelbyville with his sons and family by his side. Born on Sunday, March 23, 1947, he was the last living sibling of the four children born to the late Raymond Samuel and Lucille Elizabeth (Ethington) Wood. Billy Joe began his life the same way he ended it, farming. He started at a young age on his father’s farm and worked hard for nearly eight decades tending to his farms and dairy. His hard work was unparalleled, and he was actively working up until the day prior to his passing. Widely known for his dedication to the land, he was a member of the Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association and was a two-time recipient of the Cropper Ruritan's Farmer of the Year award. A graduate of Shelby County High School’s Class of 1965, he was a talented basketball player for the Rockets. A kindhearted Christian man, Billy Joe was a faithful member of Elmburg Baptist Church. Although farming was his life, he did enjoy a good conversation, and several games of cornhole when time allowed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Samuel “Sammy” Houston Wood; his brother, Luther Samuel Wood; and his two sisters, Martha Jean and Nancy Lou Wood.

He is survived by his two sons, Joey Wood (Lorrie) and Monty Wood (Kim Casey) both of Elmburg; four grandchildren, William Houston Wood of Louisville, Katherine Goetzinger (Aaron) of Bagdad, Lauren Storrs (Matt) of Versailles, Alex Flores (Frank) of Louisville; three great-grandchildren, Grace, Rachel and Julie Goetzinger; two step-grandchildren, Carman McTigue (Shawn) of Campbellsburg, and Sydney Willard (Stephen) of New Castle; two step-great-grandchildren, Silas McTigue and Alvey Willard; Nephew, David Scott Wilson (Judy) of Elmburg; Niece, Tammy Jo Roberts (Steve) of Elmburg; great nieces and nephews, Dallas, Austin, Courtney, and Zachary.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Beckley Funeral Home with Reverend Brad Jennings of Elmburg Baptist Church Officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasureville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 8 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and from 10 AM until the time of service on Thursday. To honor Billy Joe’s life and his faithfulness to his church, memorial contributions may be made to the Elmburg Baptist Church Building Fund, Post Office Box 176, Pleasureville, Kentucky 40057. With Care and Professionalism, arrangements are under the direction of Jakob T. Beckley and the staff of Beckley Funeral Home.