Robert (Bob) Gillman Atwood

Robert "Bob" Gillman Atwood, 79, passed peacefully September 29, 2018, in Georgetown, Texas with his loving wife Carol Ray Atwood at his side. He was born September 15, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to John Gillman Atwood and Jane Strong Atwood. Bob is survived by his daughters Melissa Atwood (Georgetown, TX), Stephanie Atwood (Houston, TX), and Angela Atwood (Austin, TX); sons-in-law Richard Blackmore, Chuck McClure, and Ross Harper; grandchildren Mark Henry Atwood (and fiancé Ava Van Horn), Caitlin Blackmore, Sara, Trey and Logan McClure; sisters Sally Rogers and Elizabeth Strong. He is preceded in death by his parents, Linda Heine Atwood (wife), Virginia Bolen (sister), and Caleb McClure (grandson). As a boy, Bob attended Wooddale Elementary, Edina East Junior High and High School. After high school graduation he attended the University of Minnesota and received a B.A. in History; later he completed his M.B.A. He met Linda Heine at the "U of M" and they married June 10, 1961. His professional life started in sales with Pillsbury, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Angela and Stephanie were born. The family moved back to Minnesota and lived in Duluth then Minneapolis and Edina, where Melissa was born. Bob joined his father’s business and became a partner of Atwood-Hansen Co. In 1974 Utah-Idaho Sugar Co. recruited Bob as General Sales Manager, which moved the family to Salt Lake City. In Utah, the family immersed themselves in nature by hiking, camping, and skiing. In 1979 Bob accepted a sales position with Imperial Sugar Co. in Sugar Land, Texas. On March 9, 1985, Bob married Carol Ann Ray. Due to some amazing career opportunities, Bob and Carol traveled frequently and relocated. When Imperial Sugar and Holly Sugar companies merged, they moved to Colorado Springs where he served as Senior Vice President. Bob and Carol cherished living in Colorado where they created some of their happiest memories. They returned to Sugar Land where Bob finished his career at Imperial-Holly as Senior Vice President when he was offered an intriguing position as CEO of United Sugars Corporation. This new journey took them back to Bob's hometown of Minneapolis. Bob was very proud to work for United as it had a unique business model as a marketing cooperative owned by three sugar producers and that reinvested profits with the local growers. Throughout his career, Bob thrived on facing challenges head-on, building remarkable relationships and being a visionary and supportive leader.In 1998, Bob and Carol retired to Georgetown, Texas to be close to family, enjoy golf year-round, and pursue many adventures! Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. His family and his faith in God were at the center of his life. His favorite pastimes included golf, fishing, and annual trips with Carol to New Mexico. Bob loved to entertain others and as a witty storyteller, he often reveled in embellishments!The family is deeply grateful for the quality, loving care Bob received from his doctors and the wonderful medical staff at St. David’s Hospital Georgetown. Please, direct memorial contributions to ROCK Ride On Center for Kids (www.rockride.org) and Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown ( www.bgcgeorgetown.org)