Bob Wood, age 88
(Robert Orville Wood Sr.)
September 5, 1934 - October 29, 2022
Bob Wood, age 88, went to his eternal home on October 29, 2022. He passed peacefully in East Tennessee surrounded by family.
Bob Wood was born Robert Orville Wood on September 5, 1934 in Marshall Virginia where the beautiful Shenandoah Valley meets the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was the 9th of 10 children born to Daniel Wesley Wood and Mamie Byrd (Carter) Wood, two of whom died in infancy. He grew up with his 3 sisters and 4 brothers. He always said he was the seventh son of seven sons. Bob Wood’s extraordinary guitar playing has won him international internet fame, numerous awards, and the love and loyalty of fans across the globe. His fans loved his smooth, rich baritone voice and ability to paint vivid pictures with his lyrics and melodies. Whether performing for the WWVA Wheeling West Virginia Jamboree or playing music at his church, he was never happier than when he had his guitar in his hands. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved being immersed in God’s Creation. He shared and passed his love of nature to his children. He loved his family and proudly proclaimed his nickname of Daddy Rabbit while being surrounded by his children and grandkids. Bob supported his family by playing the music he loved and by working as a carpenter / contractor. He was a born storyteller who could not resist laughing at his own jokes. Bob attained his private pilot’s license and served on the Civil Air Patrol. While in the Army he fulfilled one of his life’s dreams of getting to live in Alaska, as well as other parts of the country. His heart was torn between his love of living in his Blue Ridge Mountain home and in the majestic Rocky Mountains of the West.
Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years Rachel (Cookie) Wood, his children: Robin Hardin (Gary), Renee Wood, Robert Wood Jr., Glenn Wood, Bambi McDonald (Joe), Troy Wood (Kris), Holly Wood (Trevor Puckett), Jennifer Tonge, Melanie Wood Moody ( Marshall), and Mitzi Wood- Von Mizener (Jason), fourteen grandchildren including his eldest granddaughter, Charlie Hobbs (Neil) who was regarded more as a daughter, eight great grandchildren, two great, great grandchildren, his sister Anne Trenum, and a great many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Wesley Wood and Mamie Byrd (Carter) Wood, his siblings: Marie Layman, Clifton Wood, Ashton Wood, Wilfred Wood, Charles Wood (died in infancy), Etta Wilson, William Wood (died in infancy), Nathaniel (Pete) Wood, and his great granddaughter Avery Hobbs.
Bob and Cookie Wood were members of House of Grace Church in Gallatin Tennessee prior to relocating to East Tennessee.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5th at 1:00 pm EST at the Narrow Ridge Natural Burial Preserve, 1936 Liberty Hill Road, Washburn, TN with a gathering of friends and family immediately following at Narrow Ridge's Strawbale Lodge, 375 New Harvest Rd, Washburn,TN 37888. Another memorial service will be held at House of Grace Church in Gallatin Tennessee at a later date. There will also be a tribute for Bob at Papa Turney’s BBQ at Nashville Shores in the future.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s honor to the Narrow Ridge Natural Burial Preserve at https://narrowridge.org. Donations made by check should be made payable to Narrow Ridge Center and mailed to 1936 Liberty Hill Rd., Washburn TN 37888.
Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Danny Jo Sweet – age 66 of Washburn went home to be with the Lord Thursday, April 18 2024. Danny was a member of Hubbs Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was a former employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and L.B. Sweet; nephew, Jasper Sweet; sister-in-law, Pam sweet; brother-in-law, Boyce Brock; father-in-law, Virgil Crawford.
Allen Caine Rush - age 24 of Washburn went home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 14th, 2024. Preceded in death by his grandfather, Joseph “Joe” Rush; grandma, Shirley Arnold; great grandma, Yvonne McPhetridge.
Artie Belle Beason-age 79 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord, Monday, April 15, 2024. Artie enjoyed writing poems.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lee Beason; son, Danny Lee Beason; parents, Lettie Beeler and Laughton Beeler; brother, Gary Beeler; sister, Ruby Shope; son-in-law, Mark Langley.
She is survived by her daughters, Carol Ledford and Karen Munsey; son Jeff Beason and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Diana “Dee” Lynn Harvey – age 74 of Rockford, TN, passed away April 11, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Her lifelong passion was to care for others. She was a retired LPN/Home Health Care Nurse with a career spanning more than 30 years. She continued this passion in retirement as a Private Care Nurse until her passing. Diane was an avid UT Vols fan and enjoyed many years of attending UT Football and Lady Vols Basketball games. She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in sports over the years.
Charlie Lloyd Railey, 76, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, Alphonzo and Mary Lou Railey, sister and brother-in-law Melba and Henry Kidwell and brother Lee Edward Railey (who died shortly after birth).
Joseph Finley -- age 45, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 13,2024 with his wife by his side. Joe is proceeded in death by his mom Zollie Beeler and father Ronnie Beeler.
Joe is survived by his wife Amanda Finley and his six children Tierra Constable(EricHaun), Jeffery Lambdin, Macy Lambdin, Jo’Siah Simpson, Zi’Moni Simpson and Zy’Lynn Simpson. Joe has two sisters Penny Suttles and Elizabeth Ryan. Joe was very proud to welcome his new granddaughter in his life Lily Constable. Joe is retired from The University of TN Police Department.
James Eugene “Jimmy” Thomas – age 60 of Mascot, went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 11, 2024. Jimmy loved to fish and work on anything mechanical. Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Lowell Thomas Sr. and Carrie Caldwell Thomas; son, Andy Thomas; brothers, Lowell Thomas Jr., Ronnie Thomas; sister, Sherry Goins; first wife, Rhonda Thomas
Ronnie Kiser-age 69 of Sharps Chapel, hometown of Millstone, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Ronnie’s trade was in the coal mines of Kentucky where he spent many long hours and extra days providing for his family. He worked in the mines for nearly 40 years before retiring to his Norris Lake home. He wore many hats throughout these years, some of which exposed his talent for engineering, creativity and intelligence. Ronnie was an electrician and repairman for the mine where he worked underground and or above ground outside in the shop.
Robert Carl Vineyard-age 87 of Knoxville went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Robert enjoyed fishing and boating. He enjoyed being a truck driver and worked for Highway Transportation in Knoxville for 25 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margie Vineyard; mother, Helen Speas; father, Carl Vineyard; stepdaughter, Debbie Jones.
Phyllis Ailor George – age 90 of Knoxville, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Morning Pointe Assisted Living with her daughter by her side. She was a born again Christian and longtime member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, where she participated in many ministries throughout the years. Phyllis enjoyed hosting family and friends in her home and was a wonderful cook - especially chicken and dumplings. She worked hard alongside her husband, Bill George, in his construction business and farming.
Thomas H. Ford, Jr., 81, of Irene Lane, New Tazewell, TN (formally of Kersey, PA), died peacefully at his daughter’s residence in Tennessee on April 1, 2024, after a brief illness.
Jessie Faye Hensley (Wyrick), age 77 of Luttrell, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday April 7, 2024 at UT Medical Center. She is now free of all pain and is singing in that Heavenly choir. She was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church where she was the song leader and played the guitar. She had the biggest heart and loved everyone, especially her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As of May 3rd, she would have been at DeRoyal, the job she loved, for 37 years.
David Randall Hicks, Jr.-age 48 of Maynardville born December 2, 1975, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 3, 2024, after a short battle with cancer, at North Knoxville Medical Center. He was a very loving and caring man that loved his family very much and will be missed by many. Preceded in death by his father, David Hicks, Sr.; grandparents who raised him, Edna and James Herrell; mother of his girls, Katie Rudd.
Rhonda Lynn Cox-age 63 of Sharps Chapel entered her heavenly home peacefully 12:05 a.m. Monday, April 2, 2024 with her family by her side. Rhonda accepted Jesus as a young girl at Blue Springs Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed being an active member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church for more than 15 years. She loved her church family and Rhonda’s greatest joy was her family. She also loved farming and the outdoors.
Louise Rochat Lynch – age 98 of Maynardville, passed away March 20, 2024 at Willow Ridge Center. She was a member of Miller’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Gregory Keith Needham – age 60 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord at his home on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Knoxville where he sang in the choir for many years. Gregory was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and a former employee with Commercial Bank for 33 years. He was a lifelong resident of Union County. Gregory will be missed by several friends and family.
Reba Evelyn Ridenour-age 77 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Willow Springs Baptist Church and was a loving mother and grandmother. Heaven has gained another angel. Preceded in death by husband, Leonard Ridenour; daughters, Tammy Darlene Ridenour and Sonja Denise Brown; son-in-law, David Lee Brown. Parents, George W. and Flora Lillian (Patty) Ogle.
Illah June (Smith) Hill-age 93 of Luttrell, born April 20, 1930, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Beverly Park Place. She was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church and attended Fellowship Christian Church. Preceded in death by husband, Willis Hill; daughter, Gloria Hill.
Survivors: son, Scott (Anita) Hill; daughter, Rhonda Canada; Sister, Glenda Kirshner. Grandchildren, Justin (Carol) Hill, Tiffany (Kevin) Rustad, Jordan Hill, James Wolski; Nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.
Johnathan DeWayne Donahue – born June 29, 1998, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Luttrell. Preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Tracy Donahue; grandmothers, Janice Donahue, Pamela Riffey; grandfathers, Wayne Donahue, Rick Hankins.
Ronald “Ronnie” S. Beeler-age 64 of Washburn, born March 6, 1960 went to be with the Lord Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was a member of Central View American Christian Church and was a retired heavy-equipment mechanic. Preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Polly (Bailey) Beeler; brother, Gary Beeler.
Marilyn Sue Harrison Baker-age 64 of Knoxville, born July 24, 1959, went to be with the Lord, January 12, 2024, of natural causes. Preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Beulah Harrison.
She is survived by her sisters, Glenda (Gary) Cooke, Connie (Jack) Ridenour along with nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
James “Jim” David Mills-age 46 of Luttrell went home to be with the Lord, Monday, March 18, 2024, at his home. Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Thomas Mills; paternal and maternal grandparents; an uncle and several aunts.
Jeffery Claude Kitts-age 60 of Maynardville, born August 14, 1963, went home to be with his Lord, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at home. He was a member of Beneath the Cross Church, Luttrell. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother who enjoyed spending time with his family and loved the great outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was loved by all and will be missed by all. He is at peace. Preceded in death by his parents, father, Claude Kitts, mother, Edna Sands Kitts.