Thomas Jackson Wood, 80, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, following a sudden cardiac event.
With heavy hearts the family announces his passing.“Our most gracious and humble gratitude to Pierce County EMS, ER and ICU staff at Memorial Satilla Hospital for their heroic efforts,” the family said.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Allen Wood Sr., and his mother, Amy Marie Sikes Wood.
Survivors include his beloved son, Roman Israel Wood; sisters Betty Herrin, Anita Michaels and brother, David Allen Wood, Jr.
Born in Waycross, he attended Waycross High School and Gordon Military Academy. He went on to serve four years in United States Air Force. He began his career in Plano, Texas as respiratory tech at Baylor University and then at the ALS Center in Plano. From there, he began doing in-home breathing treatments for ALS patients. He moved back home to serve ALS patients all over Georgia and North Florida. These patients inspired him to invent solutions to better their lives. This drive led him to create his first invention aimed at a better oxygen delivery interface initially intended for ALS patients, then realizing it would benefit all CPAP users as well. As an inventor and entrepreneur his design journey began in 1981 securing his first U.S. Patent for the nasal air interface. He went on to be awarded 26 patents for various components of CPAP interfaces. He did not stop there. He remained resolute in his quest to design an even better interface with his persistent goal being to facilitate a full night’s rest for all patients with sleep apnea. Fighting uphill battles every step of the way he finally achieved his goal with additional patents and FDA clearance for the DeltaWave Nasal Pillow System marketed through his company, REMSleep Holdings Inc.
He was a dedicated son, brother, father and patient advocate, always striving to improve people’s lives. For a kind and gentle man, he had significant impact on countless lives.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, Oakland Cemetery in Waycross.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services arrangements are with Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross, which has been trusted with final care of all of the Wood family’s loved ones since 1969.
