I am Dexter Wood, a part-time employee of Buford City Schools. I serve as the Senior Athletics Advisor at Buford High School.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Martha and I have been married for 47 years. Our daughter, Rachel, and son Ryan, both graduated from Buford High School. Rachel and her husband, Jeff Norris, have four children: Samuel graduated from BHS in 2022; Ellie is a junior at BHS; Abby is a ninth grader at BHS; and Annie is a sixth grader at BMS. Ryan and his wife Erin were high school sweethearts at BHS and now live in Berkeley Lake. They have three daughters: McKinley, age 10, Madison, age 8, and Mollie Kate, age 5.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am in my 50th year in education, and my 29th year at Buford High School. I was a head football coach for 30 years, the last 10 at BHS. I was an athletic director for 38 years, the last 18 at BHS. I am honored to live, work, and play in a community I love and respect so much. I love our people, and the excellence we strive for in all areas of our community life.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rico’s, Bare Bones
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
28 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Too many to name just one. I have been inspired and supported by so many folks in this great community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy/Switzerland. We love mountains, landscapes, and historical sites
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Remember the Titans. ESPN Game Day
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. To our Buford youth always strive to, Know who you are?, Where you are going? and How are you going to get there?
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Continue to visit as many US National Parks as possible
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I don’t have a go to band, nor do I listen to music that much. At my stage of life I’m more in to talk radio, podcasts, etc.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Rico’s because I used to sit there every Friday morning among some of my great Buford friends when it was a brake and lube shop.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Nick Saban at Bare Bones. Because he is a great leader in a sport that has been a huge part of my life
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our common goal of pursuing excellence in everything we do. Our city leaders pave the way for a first-class business community and school system. No one can touch the passion and support that our Buford community pours into our youth.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Fully retired, but still engaged in a community I deeply love.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
How I grew up in a small town like Buford where I was such a shy, introverted kid with no clue as to how God would one day shape me into a leader with a giftedness and a passion to make a difference in the lives of others
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The mountains of Colorado
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November: fall weather. Christmas: Christ was born. The next day: at my age, everyday is a blessing
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A Sunday morning with my family as as we worship together in our church pastored by my son-in-law
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, Martha. Her abiding care and love for our family and unselfish devotion to others is incredible!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A tall mountain filled with a breeze of fresh air
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Christ-centered, striving to be a haven of love and grace for all