Robert William Wood

October 1, 1962 - October 17, 2026

Robert W. Wood, 64, of Speedwell, Tennessee, passed away on October 17, 2026, at Claiborne Medical Center in Tazewell, Tennessee.

Robert had a lifelong curiosity and a love of learning that extended far beyond the classroom. After earning his high-school equivalency diploma in Louisiana in 1981, he continued learning on his own. The local library became his university. He was an avid reader, and finding a classic or bestseller he hadn't already read was no easy task. Even buying him a book as a gift could be a challenge, as family members often discovered he'd already read it.

Robert had a way of telling stories that could keep you listening for hours. Drawing on experiences from the many places he'd lived and visited, he would start with the background, then build on each detail until the entire story unfolded. Yet one of the memories he returned to with a chuckle was much simpler: meeting his niece Dana when she was a toddler. She took his hand, led him to the refrigerator, and asked for a pickle in her little voice: "Pee-kle! Pee-kle!" Years later, Robert would still imitate the way she'd said it and chuckle at the memory.

Robert was a skilled mechanic with a particular talent for diagnosing difficult electrical and electronic problems in vehicles. His brother Kenny recalled meeting people who recognized the Wood name and asked if he was related to Robert. They would often speak of his mechanical abilities and his knack for diagnosing problems that had stumped other mechanics.

Although naturally shy, Robert had a wonderful sense of humor around those who knew him best. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, playing foosball, listening to oldies music, and spending time with family, particularly his nieces and nephews. He also loved watching Jeopardy! and seemed to know something about everything. His family often thought he should have been a contestant himself.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick L. Wood Sr. and Geraldine (Browning) Wood, and his sister, Karen L. Wood.

He is survived by his brothers, Frederick L. Wood Jr. and Kenny M. Wood; his nephews, Richard R. Wood and Chad M. Wood; and his niece, Dana L. Wood.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

"The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."

- Proverbs 18:15 (KJV)