Hobson Pat Patrick Wood

Hobson Patrick Wood, age 83, of South Knoxville died April 25, 2012 at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Pat was a well-known real estate developer for over 60 years, first with Wood Agency and later with Wood Properties and Lawler-Wood, LLC.

A graduate of Young High School, Pat lived and worked his entire life in Knoxville. Pat served his country in the United States Army as an instructor in automatic weapons and demolition explosives.

Pat’s leadership in business, government, and philanthropy were well known. He was a charter member of the South Knoxville Optimist Club and served as Lieutenant Governor of Optimist International. Pat served Knox County as a Chairman of the Development Corporation of Knox County, as secretary of the Metropolitan Planning Commission and was elected to the Knox County Court. He was also active in state and local politics and served as Chairman of the Knox County Democratic Party for two terms. He served on numerous boards including Knox County Chamber Partnership, Better Business Bureau, Knoxville Metropolitan YMCA, Chancellor’s Associates of the University of Tennessee and Leadership Knoxville.

Pat was instrumental in bringing the 1982 World’s Fair to Knoxville and served on its Board of Directors. Pat served as Chairman of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission and the Tennessee Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

He was a life-long member of St. James’ Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry. Most recently he was a member of St. John’s Cathedral.

As a business leader, entrepreneur, little league coach, airplane pilot, philanthropist and avid golfer, Pat’s interests were varied and many. Pat is perhaps best known as a life-long and loyal friend whose optimism earned him the name “Happy Pappy” with his grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

Pat is preceded in death by his father Loomis Hobson Wood and his mother Mable Connelly Wood, his son Hobson Patrick Wood Jr., and his two brothers Jerry Houston Wood and Claude Michael Wood. Pat is survived by his loving wife of 25 years Brenda Trotter Wood, her son John Charles Trotter, his children John Charles and Ernest Trotter, daughter Debbie Wood Hyde, husband Robert and grandchildren Aaron and Thomas Hyde and daughter Kim Wood McClamroch, husband Mike and grandson Michael Thomas Hobson McClamroch. Pat is also survived by his beloved companion and dog Buddy.

In memory of Pat’s life, services will be held Sunday, April 29, 2012. A 2:00 pm private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery will be followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm at St. John’s Cathedral and a 4:00 pm reception for family and friends in the church’s Great Hall. The Very Reverend John Ross and The Reverend Canon Thom Rasnick will be officiating. Pall bearers include Mike McClamroch, John Trotter, Robert Hyde, Aaron Hyde, Thomas Hyde, and Michael Wood. The family would like to express appreciation for the compassionate care of the Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center Cardiovascular ICU team of physicians and nurses.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Tennessee Foundation for the Pat Wood Academic Scholarship. Contributions may be made to the University of Tennessee Foundation, Attn: Chip Bryant, College of Business Administration, 1000 Volunteer Blvd., 468 Haslam Business Building, Knoxville 37996-0570 or St. John’s Cathedral, P.O. Box 153 Knoxville, Tn. 37901. Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.