A Life Well Lived ROBERT J. WOOD
(Bob, Bobby-Jack, Uncle Bob, Dad, Popa) of North Little Rock, Ark., born January 9, 1933 in Dennis, Miss., died July 3, 2020 at his home attended by his family.
The Wood family moved to Arkansas from Mississippi in 1937 and Bob grew up in and around the NLR area. In the rough and tumble lifestyle of his times he suffered broken ribs when run over by a bull, was bitten through the thigh by a boar hog, built a fire under a mule when it refused to move and almost died from the medical treatment for a snake bite. He was employed by the Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads first as a yard clerk then switchman, car man, train master and retired as yard master at the North Little Rock terminal. When not at work he was busy raising a family, working his garden, building and renovating houses, raising cattle and hogs, piling kids on his tractor for rides and repairing any broken car in the neighborhood. Bob was a member of the Crescent Masonic Lodge and until health became an issue was very active in his church, Bethany Baptist of NLR.
He is preceded in death and resurrection by Betty Wood his wife of 66 years, parents, Henry E. Wood and Mary Musselman-Wood, son Larry Dale Wood and grandson Adam Wood. He is survived by brother William (Bill) Wood (Linda) and sisterin-law Irma DeBusk-Wood of NLR. His children Brenda Joyce Wood-Fudge (James David) of Kerrville, Texas, David Wood (Linda) and Sandra Elmore-Wood of NLR, Steve Wood (Karen) of Little Rock and eight nieces and nephews. And as he would say, saving the best for last, his grandchildren; Katie, Alison, Davella, Wiley, Chris, Sarah, Callie, Sid, Kayleigh and his seven great-grandchildren.
As in his favorite misquote from Winston Churchill – Never, Never, Never Quit! - Bob Wood lived every day of his life as an example, he did not just talk the talk. He loved, protected and provided for his family and treasured his friends and the joy he received in helping others was returned to him.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 7, 10-11 a.m., at SmithNorth Little Rock Funeral Home followed by Funeral Service starting at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Arkansas Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Baptist Children’s Home or the charity of your choice.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines masks will be required at all times and social distancing is recommended. Visit www.smithfamilycares/north little rock.com for online register.