Wood
WAYCROSS — With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Tom Wood, Thursday, February 26, 2026, following a sudden cardiac event.
Our most gracious and humble gratitude to Pierce County EMS, and the ER and ICU staff at Memorial Satilla Hospital for their heroic efforts.
Wood, born November 18, 1945, was preceded in death by his father, David Allen Wood, Sr., and his mother, Amy Marie Sikes Wood.
He is survived by his beloved son, Roman Israel Wood; sisters Betty Herrin and Anita Michaels; and brother David Allen Wood, Jr.
Born in Waycross, Tom attended Waycross High School and Gordon Military Academy. Wood went on to serve four years in United States Air Force.
He began his career in Plano, Texas, as a respiratory technician at Baylor University, and then at the ALS Center in Plano. From there, Wood began doing in-home breathing treatments for ALS patients.
He returned home to serve ALS patients all over Georgia and North Florida. These patients inspired Wood 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 US Patent for the Nasal Air interface. He went on to be awarded 26 patents for various components of CPAP interfaces, but Wood didn’t stop there.
He remained resolute in his quest to design an even better interface, 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.
Wood 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.
Funeral services will be with Miles-Odum Funeral Home, trusted with final care of our family’s loved ones since 1969.
A graveside service was held March 3 in Oakland Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
