Craig Clinton Wood

Craig Clinton Wood, 54, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 28, 1972.

Craig will be remembered for his unmistakable laugh, unwavering love of sports, deep and lasting friendships, and lifelong passion for aviation.

He graduated from J.J. Pearce High School in 1990 before attending Baylor University, where he pledged Sigma Chi fraternity. He later transferred to Colorado State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Technical Journalism in 1995.

Following graduation, Craig began his career as a producer at KRLD 1080 and 1310 The Ticket, working with Larry North and other radio personalities. He later served as Regional Sales Manager for a national flooring company. Although successful in sales, his heart was always in aviation, and he never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional pilot.

Craig's journey toward that dream began in his early twenties when he attended Airline Training Academy in Orlando, Florida, from 2001 to 2003. After the events of September 11, 2001, and the resulting changes within the aviation industry, he postponed his aviation career and returned to sales. Even so, the dream of flying professionally never faded.

In 2011, Craig took a leap of faith and returned to aviation as a flight instructor at Monarch Air in Addison, Texas. He later joined CAE SimuFlite in Dallas before becoming a type-rated Beechjet pilot for Jetlinx and then flying a private jet for a Dallas family from Dallas Love Field.

In 2014, Craig joined Envoy Air as a First Officer. Though he began his airline career later than many of his peers, he quickly distinguished himself through hard work, determination, and exceptional skill. In less than two years, he upgraded to Captain on the Embraer 175. During his time at Envoy, Craig also served as a flight instructor, Check Airman, and examiner, mentoring and evaluating pilots in training. He was actively involved in the Envoy Pilots Association, serving on several union committees and earning the respect of colleagues throughout the organization.

In 2020, Craig fulfilled his lifelong dream when he joined American Airlines as a Dallas/Fort Worth-based First Officer, a career milestone that brought him tremendous pride and fulfillment.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Becky Adair Wood.

Craig is survived by his father Donald Duane Wood and his wife Sherry; his brother Scott Adair Wood and his wife Alicia; his beloved nieces, Laurel, Chloe, and Helena, as well as his stepsister, Karen, and stepbrothers Shawn and Mike; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Becky Adair Wood.

Craig's determination, generous spirit, and infectious laugh will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service celebrating Craig's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

He will be laid to rest at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.