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DENTON – Kenny Wood of Denton, a beloved and respected member of the Caroline County community passed away Saturday, July 11, 2026, after a long illness. He was 82 years old.
Wood was well-known locally as the owner and operator of Lifetime Wells Drilling Co. in Denton. He also was a well-known harness horseman who owned a world record-holding horse.
But he made a lasting impact internationally providing clean drinking water, as well as restoring eyesight to thousands in rural communities in Ghana and Tanzania, traveling in person to dig wells with the philanthropic organization he co-founded, Lifetime Wells International, and witnessing the work of eye surgeons with Lifetime Wells Vision.
He was bestowed the title Chief Life-Giving Water years ago during his 20-year odyssey of giving to the poor living an ocean away.
His most recent trip to Ghana was in Fall 2025 to encourage the work of eye surgeons with Lifetime Wells Vision.
In a long and eloquent post on the Moore Funeral Home website, members of Parliament from the Oti Region of Ghana paid tribute “in honour of Mr. William Kenneth Wood.”
“Ken, you came to us when we needed help,” the tribute stated. “You gave water to the thirsty. You gave sight to those in darkness. You put smiles on the faces of our people. You gave hope to the hopeless. … Humanity has lost a compassionate servant. But heaven has gained a soul whose life was dedicated to serving others.”
Ophthalmologist Dr. Seth Wanye, who volunteered his services to Lifetime Wells Vision, posted, “Ken was a true man of God, a philanthropist and a humble man of his word. He brought water to millions and brought sight to tens of thousands just as Jesus did. We have learned a lot from this angel who taught and inspired us to serve, share and give. Ghana and the whole of Africa will miss him dearly.”
Local leaders, friends and family, neighbors and acquaintances, along with members of the wider community, as well as those who supported the philanthropies, posted dozens of tributes and condolences.
“What a fine person and what a loss to the community – and to the entire world,” wrote Easton attorney Phil Foster. “People like Ken Wood are a rarity, and you can count yourself fortunate if you have the opportunity to know one.”
“A humble and faithful public servant,” posted Caroline County Commission Vice President Larry Porter. “It was an honor and privilege to know him and call him a friend.”
Denton businessman Brian Tyler posted on Facebook, “He moved through life with such passion and purpose that one could not help but do better…try harder, give more.”
On Feb. 10, 2026, the Caroline County Commissioners presented Wood with a citation honoring him for his “lasting impact on both our community and people around the world,” it stated. “Mr. Wood is more than a local business owner. He is someone who has helped shape Caroline County through decades of dedication, integrity, and service.”
“Lifetime Well Drilling continues today as a proud multi-generational business, reflecting the values of hard work and service he has instilled in his family and this community,” the citation stated. “He has quietly supported countless causes, even dedicating personal resources, including harness racing earnings, to fund clean water projects. Mr. Wood is special to Caroline County not only for what he has accomplished, but for the example he has set. His generosity, humility, and lifelong commitment to helping others represent the very best of our county. … Caroline County is proud to call him one of our own.”
Wood’s philanthropic legacy is measured in thousands of lives being touched, but in the numbers. According to the citation, through Wood’s leadership “more than 3,300 wells have been drilled, providing clean drinking water to over one million people in Ghana and Tanzania. Just as importantly, his organization focuses on sustainability by training local leaders and ensuring these systems serve communities for years to come.” By April 2026, 3,530 wells had been drilled.
Lifetime Wells Vision partnered with Dr. Wanye to fund eye surgeries. Between May 2018 and March 2026, 20,609 surgeries had been performed, 39,454 eyeglasses using Global Vision 2020's USee kits had been fitted, and 215,521 treatments had been administered. Many of the eye diseases and infections in Ghana are caused by poor quality drinking water.
On May 8, 2026, Bishop Godspower Jessa, the first recipient of cataract surgery, posted on Facebook that Wood was “best described (as) an angel among men.”
Wood participated regularly in area fundraisers and speaking engagements until June 28. He learned to trust that funds needed to finance the wells and sight restorations would somehow show up. He called the phenomenon simply “a God thing.”
Denton businessman Dave Whaley, who accompanied Wood on nine well-drilling trips to Africa, including a 3-week trip in April 2025, called Wood a “remarkable man.” Wood stayed another 10 days after Whaley returned home. In August and September 2025, Wood spent two months in Tanzania.
“You taught us all so much,” Whaley posted on Facebook. “How to live life with a purpose. How to give of your time and your assets, to make this world and lives of the less fortunate better.”
Benjamin Cahall posted, “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear work boots, shorts and a mud covered shirt caked in mud and drenched in sweat.”
Members of Ghana’s Parliament bade fond farewells to Wood. “Fare thee well, Mr. William Kenneth Wood. Fare thee well, our father and friend. Fare thee well, the giver of water and restorer of sight. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Almighty God. Rest well, Ken. Your legacy lives on.”
Born at home in Ridgely on October 22, 1943, Wood was the son of the late Stephen M. Wood and Rose M. Shortall Wood and was raised on the family farm outside Denton. His beloved wife Betsy passed away last year on Feb. 6, 2025.
He was a 1961 graduate of North Caroline High School near Ridgely. He was an active lifelong member of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Ridgely.
Wood is survived by a son Benjamin Wood and his wife Tracy; daughter Patricia Arevalo of Denton; brother Stephen Wood (Lynn) of Sherwood, Maryland; sister Barbara Wood of Denton; six grandchildren; and 15 nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Kenny was preceded in death by son Andrew Wood and sister Rose Marie Wood.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Moore Funeral Home, 12 S. 2nd St., Denton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, July 20, at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 1214 S. Washington St., Easton, followed by interment in Denton Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends make memorial donations to Lifetime Wells International, 24321 Shore Hwy, Denton, MD 21629.
