David Ray Wood age 89 of Dardanelle, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home. He was born January 5, 1936, in Delaware, Arkansas to the late Leslie Edward Wood and Hazel Berry Wood. David attended the Dardanelle First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jimmy Wood and one sister, Emmeline Kerr.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Helen Wood; two children, Michael Wood (Janet), Gina Geurian (Jeff); four grandchildren, Ashley Zimmerlee (Stacy), Brandon Wood (Katie), Tyler Geurian (Keeshia), Lucas Geurian; four great grandchildren, Tristan Zimmerlee (Susan), Brock Henderson, Zorha Wood, Sofia Wood and two great-great grandchildren, Liam Zimmerlee, and Nolan Zimmerlee.

Born and raised on the Logan County and Yell County line, near Delaware, David was raised loving the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and sharing those experiences with many friends and family was his passion. This led David and his brother, Jimmy, to open Wood's Sporting Goods on Union Street in Dardanelle where he enjoyed sharing his hunting and fishing knowledge and stories with lifelong friends and customers.

Later in life, David worked in real estate with Tri-County Realty. David served as a substitute rural route carrier for United States Postal Service. He also aided many families and communities that experienced natural disasters during his time with FEMA. He spent his retirement years tinkering in his shop. There he built many fishing rods, which he named "Fossil STX", repaired many fishing reels and guns for residents.

Tournament fishing was always one of David's greatest passions. He was a founding member of the Dardanelle Bass Club that is now seventeen members strong. He is also a Life Member and was the oldest active member of Arkansas Bass Nation. David became known by other bass fisherman as the "Spinnerbait King" and/or "Delaware Dance" and is a Lake Dardanelle fishing legend.

Growing up in Dardanelle had its many blessings. His biggest accomplishment was catching the eye of his high school sweetheart, Helen Pfieifer. They, together, raised a wonderful family, served their community, fished couple tournaments, and most recently, spent their time tending the land they lived on and enjoying each other's company.

David's family and friends will greatly miss him and his spirited tales of times gone by.

"Cast away, dear friend. Cast away ".

Visitation will be held Monday, April 20, 2026, 6:00P.M. to 8:00P.M. at Cornwell Funeral Chapel in Dardanelle. Funeral services will be held at 10:00A.M., Tuesday at the chapel.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Dardanelle Bass Club, Taylor Tillmon, Jimmy Witt, Don Ivey, Bill Land, Don Romine, Jim Atkinson, Billy Joe Storment, Terry Mitchell, Keith Gray, and Robert Smith.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com