Samuel Deryl Wood was born November 16, 1953, and went to be with the Lord on February 19, 2023. He was born to Floy and Eva May (Orr) Wood in Portales, New Mexico. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in Math and Computer Science from Eastern New Mexico University and went on to earn his Master’s degree at New Mexico State University. He learned to love Colorado during family vacations as a boy and settled in Colorado Springs with a clear view of Pikes Peak. Sam (Deryl) loved hiking, skiing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Woody (Floy) Wood. He is survived by his loving family: brother Jerry Wood and wife Pat, sister Doyce King, and nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home.