Garlon Ray Wood, age 72, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, attended by family at home, after recent hospitalization due to pancreatic cancer.

A lifetime resident of Lubbock, Texas, Garlon was born Feb. 1, 1954. He was proud to be a part of the descendants of Lubbock’s earliest pioneers who arrived by wagon at the founding of Lubbock. Today, that deep-rooted legacy stretches into eight generations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Bruce Wood and Bennie Jo (Armstrong) Wood Tudor, as well as stepfather Weldon Tudor, and by a brother, Tim Wood.

An entrepreneur from his youth, Garlon was owner-operator of Coin Amusements for more than 50 years. What began as a local arcade game route evolved into a lifetime occupation specializing in sales, service, repair, and restoration of vintage coin-operated machines, including pinball, arcade video games, and jukeboxes. In the 1980s, he expanded his enthusiasm for slot car racing by operating a commercial slot car racing track and staging local competitions.

Garlon could fix absolutely anything put in front of him. In 38 years of marriage, his wife Debra recalled having a plumber to the house exactly once—and only then because Garlon didn’t have the specific tool required. Otherwise, Garlon prided himself on being prepared, even down to insisting that every shirt he owned had a breast pocket where he always kept a pen and tissue ready to go. Whether electronics, carpentry, plumbing or other chores, Garlon was equally determined at mastering each craft because he fervently believed his personal motto: “Anything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT!”

Quiet, soft-spoken, and resolutely independent, Garlon was above all a man of exceptional character, hard working, generous and gracious in helping others. He was the friendly familiar face operating the cotton candy machine he took to church and school events, and even by special request at a wedding. For leisure, he was most relaxed fishing, tending the BBQ grill to smoke meats, or…unexpectedly, riding roller coasters! The family travelled to countless amusement parks, including all the Disney ones. 

More than his business talents or hobbies, Garlon’s most lasting legacy as a good man is the profound example of what a good husband, Dad and Granddad ought to be.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Debra Griffith Wood of the home; daughter Lynaa Wood and granddaughter Alayna; daughter Pamela Hester and husband Will, and grandson Ryan; his brother Bruce Wood and wife Brenda; his sister Carolyn Wood; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and associates.

Graveside services and interment will be held Monday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m. at Ropesville Cemetery, 6449 FM 41, in Ropesville, TX, a community west of Lubbock between Wolfforth and Meadow. Graveside memorial to be conducted by David Langford, minister of Quaker Ave. Church of Christ in Lubbock, where Garlon was a member. Arrangements are by Agape Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Children’s Miracle Network or Ronald McDonald House.