Bernard Wood

Tragedy struck on the morning of April 21, 2024, when Bernard Andrea Wood, 48, was called home. He was the son of Patricia Wood of Greensboro, NC., and the late Burman “Bernard” White. Duka, as he was affectionately known, was preceded in death by his sister, Beverley Wood, and his maternal grandparents, Robert and Genevieve Wood. 
Duka grew up on White Rock Hill, where he was always well-dressed and envied by other children with his fancy toy and bikes. He always kept a pocket full of money but hated to break a dollar bill for change. At the age of 4 years old, he took to baseball, like his father. He would go on to play little league football, where he also excelled, and would later become a Pittsburg Steelers fan. He was also on his middle school wrestling team. Duka developed a love for cars before the age of five and could always be found “working” alongside neighborhood friends as they serviced their cars. He was quite fond of a neighbor’s yellow Volkswagen Beetle and was often rewarded with rides around town. Duka “learned” to drive at the age of eight, when he took his sister’s car for a ride around the block. He enjoyed chopping wood with his late grandfather and had quite a swing. Sadly, as Duka entered adolescence, he began to make poor decisions which would carry over into adulthood. He struggled with addiction throughout his adult life, which always got in the way of his success. When he worked, he was a diligent worker. Duka loved to cook on the grill and took pride in his meals. 
Bernard leaves behind his daughter, Trania Smith, and grandson, Braylyn Henderson, both of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Tracey Stephens; niece and nephew, Antonette and Antonio Wood; two great-nieces, Te’Niyah and Taraji Lipscomb, all of Greensboro, NC; aunt, Mildred (Silas) Johnson; uncles, George and Donald Wood; cousin, Denise (Clarence) Brown; great-uncle, Frank Austin, all of Lynchburg VA; cousin, Chelsey Brown of Henrico, VA; cousins Demi and Emma Mitchell of Bedford, VA; and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:00pm at the Tharp Funeral Home Chapel.   

In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations be made to funeral services by clicking here


Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg is assisting the family.