Thomas Benbury "Tommy" Wood

   Thomas Benbury Wood “Tommy” died peacefully, surrounded by family, in Edenton, North Carolina on May 28, 2025. Born in Norfolk, VA on April 20, 1936, Tommy was raised in Edenton, primarily residing at Mulberry Hill, his ancestral home, located just outside of the town limits of Edenton. After graduating from Episcopal High School, in Alexandria, Virginia, with its class of 1955, Tommy returned to North Carolina to continue his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While an undergraduate, he joined the Zeta Psi fraternity, which would lead to a chance encounter with the former Isabella Jane Stronach, who would become his beloved wife of 59 years. 

   After completing his undergraduate studies, he enrolled in law school at UNC, graduating in 1962. Upon admission to practice law in North Carolina, Mr. Wood gained employment with the Office of the Attorney General, Transportation Division. He would spend his entire 43 year career with the Attorney General’s Office, arguing cases throughout North Carolina and later gained admission to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States of America on September 6, 1974. His passion for the practice of law was infectious to those around him and he loved few things more than the opportunity to try cases before a jury of his peers. His talent for oratory and innate ability to recall obscure facts offered at trial, served him well in his work as a lawyer. 

   Throughout his career, he took particular delight in civic service to his community. He was a founding member of the Edenton Historical Commission and in 1981, wrote and published “Town and Plantation Tales of the Albemarle.” All proceeds from the sale of his novel were donated to support and further the work of the Edenton Historical Commission. Upon his retirement, in honor of his many years of service to the citizens of the State of North Carolina, he was inducted by Governor Mike Easley into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He was an active member and former officer of the North Carolina Society of the Cincinnati and in the month prior to his death, was recognized for 50 years of active participation in that Organization. His love of life and the opportunity to interact with others lead him to numerous social affiliations. Among them were the Raleigh Sphinx Club, the Terpsichorean Society, HOOTS and countless others. He was steadfast in his faith in Christ and although a lifetime active member at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton, was a fixture at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh, throughout his time residing there. 

   Tommy’s greatest joy in life was the opportunity to spend time with and to regale friends and family with stories of his time growing up in Edenton, along the banks of the Albemarle Sound. He was a proud and attentive husband, father and grandfather, who could often be found on bleachers, observing his children's and grandchildren’s sporting events. Always willing to make sacrifices to support his family, he helped coach youth soccer teams through two undefeated seasons, despite a self-described lack of interest in the game. He took great pride in his family and was generous and fiercely loyal to all of its members.

   In addition to his parents, Thomas Benbury Wood was preceded in death by the love of his life, the late Isabella Jane Wood “Janie.” He is survived by his son, Thomas Benbury Paxton Wood and wife Adrian of Edenton and his daughter Caroline Wood Hauser and husband Bobby, of Pilot Mountain. Along with his children, he is survived by six grandchildren: Kimberly, Lyric, Thomas, Russell, Blair and Amos.

   A celebration of the life of Thomas Benbury Wood will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton, NC on Tuesday, June the 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Friends may join the family for a reception at the St. Paul’s Parish Hall immediately following the service.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 548, Edenton, N.C. 27932.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com