Robert Ellsworth Wood Sr.

Robert E. Wood Sr. Oct. 7, 1919 - Aug. 8, 2014 The life of Robert E. Wood, Sr. began on Oct. 7, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio. At age 94, Mr. Wood passed away during mid morning hours on August 8th, 2014. He lived his last years in peace with family visits and his daily caregivers, to whom the family is appreciative of their love and concern for him.

Mr. Wood was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Frances Derrick Wood in 2007, his sister, Verna Wood, in 2008, and his brother Harold Wood, only one month ago.

Mr. Wood was retired as the owner of Aeromarine, Inc which served boating and hunting customers in the Birmingham area for over 40 years. As a young boy, Mr. Wood attended various trade schools in Cleveland, Ohio which led to employment as an expert pattern maker for Pratt Whitney aircraft engines. Mr. Wood moved to the Birmingham area shortly before World War II to work for his father in the automotive business and aviation supply business. He then answered his country's call to arms for World War II, joining the US Army Air Corps. He served with the 21st Army Air Corps Base Unit and was received his Honorable Discharge in December, 1945. He returned home after the war to manage for his father Aero Service and Supply Co. In 1955, he became the owner of the company and changed the name to Aeromarine. Among his hobbies was his passion for working on various projects in his extensive shop at his home. In his later years, Mr. Wood also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, which he reluctantly gave up in his last few years to continue fishing with his brother and friends as a member of Peckerwood Hunting and Fishing Club.

Survivors include his children Katherine Hughey, Robert E. Wood, Jr., Donald F. Wood, Dr. William D.Wood, nine grandchildren, and cousins Sally Wood Johnson and Nancy Wood Rhead.

A visitation for Mr. Wood will be Monday, August 11, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood, AL. A funeral Mass will be Tuesday, August 12,2014 at 10:00 AM at Saint Paul's Cathedral, burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

The family would also like to express special thanks to Darling (Clemmy) Weber for her sincere and deep devotion as a care coordinator. -