By VICKI BROWN
Colleton County Council read a proclamation in their September 7th meeting that recognized and honored former Colleton County Judge Richard B. Wood, Sr. for his service to Colleton County.
Judge Wood died on August 25 at his Green Pond home.
Council also passed a resolution that will officially name the Colleton County Fire-Rescue Station 6, located at 503 Fire Station Road in Green Pond, as the “Judge Richard B. Wood Fire Station”.
Richard Wood, part owner of the Wood Brother’s Store, became the youngest magistrate in South Carolina, serving for thirty-three years. During his time as magistrate, Judge Wood helped many people in the community.
“Wood helped children and worked closely with my wife in law enforcement. He was a friend to me and helped my family many times,” said Colleton County Councilman Phillip Taylor. “He was a good friend.”
Fellow Colleton Councilman Gene Whetsell also shared sentiments of Wood. “He was a personal friend of mine,” said Gene Whetsell. “I loved him like a brother.”
Decades prior to 9-1-1 the Wood Brothers Construction Company and the creation of the Wood Brothers store, Richard Wood also served as an emergency dispatcher for the Colleton County 911-center.
The old Wood Brothers Store (current Station 6) was also previously converted to a then Fire Station that housed equipment. Wood was also a retired volunteer Fire Captain with Colleton County Fire-Rescue.
“He was a fair person. He will be missed by his family and the county,” said Steven Murdaugh, council chairman.
Fellow Colleton County Councilman Dr. Joe Flowers also commended Woods’ efforts in the community, saying he was “one of the hardest working people I have ever known.”
“He worked seven days a week,” said Flowers. “He was a very good friend who was dedicated to what he did. Thank you, to his family who made sacrifices to allow him to work for the county,” said Flowers.
During his lifetime, Judge Wood also received The Order of the Palmetto from Governor Mark Sanford in 2009 for his dedicated service to his community and state. The Order of the Palmetto is the highest honor that a civilian can receive in South Carolina.
“I am from the Green Pond community and I have known Richard all my life. Every time I needed a letter of reference, he wrote one for me. He and his brother were super individuals in the community,” said Colleton County Councilman Art Williams.
