Robert "Bob" Benjamin Wood Jr.

Robert “Bob” Benjamin Wood, Jr., born July 12, 1946, entered the presence of his Lord on January 4, 2026 after a courageous five-year battle with Alzheimer’s. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert B. Wood Sr. and Joy Calkins Wood, and his sister, Susan Wood Smith. Bob leaves behind his devoted wife of 58 years, Patty; two daughters, Peppy Butler (Dave) and Tricia Bratton (Randy); and four cherished granddaughters: Grace Butler, Libby Butler, Sarah Bratton, and Ginny Bratton Lazina (Adam).

Bob spent his childhood in Hughes, Arkansas, where his family managed Kamp Karefree at Horseshoe Lake. He attended Hughes Elementary and worked at the fishing docks before moving to Memphis to attend Christian Brothers High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Christian Brothers College and an MBA from Memphis State University. A lifelong learner, Bob was proud of scoring 100% on his professional engineering exam and real estate license exams.

His career began with E.I. DuPont in Millington and Cook Industries in grain exporting, but for the last 38 years, Bob dedicated himself to real estate development, property management, and asset management with Clark & Clark before retiring in 2018.

Bob’s passions were many. He loved aviation and earned his Private Pilot License, even showcasing his remote-control flying skills at the Memphis Blue Angels Air Show in the early 1970s. He was an avid fisherman, whether casting in local lakes, fly fishing out west, or deep-sea fishing. He also volunteered countless hours with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Search and Rescue unit, training canines and instructing field operations. He played a key role in forming the original Tennessee Task Force 1 canine team.

Above all, Bob’s faith and family were his greatest treasures. He was an active member of Christ Covenant Reformed Church in Germantown, TN, where he joyfully greeted members each Sunday. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather—coaching soccer, cheering at horse shows, and patiently baiting hooks for his girls. These moments, along with countless family vacations, will live forever in our hearts.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Page Robbins Adult Day Center for providing Bob with friendship, activities, and loving care during his final years.

Memorial Service: Thursday, January 8th at St. Patrick Presbyterian Church, 710 W White Rd, Collierville, TN. Visitation from 9:30–11:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. worship service. Private family-only burial at Magnolia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• Page Robbins Adult Center - https://pagerobbins.org

• The Salvation Army - http://give.salvationarmyusa.org

• Christ Covenant Reformed Church - https://ccrcmemphis.org