James Robert Wood

James Robert (Bob) Wood, 81, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to live with his Savior on December 20, 2021.

Bob was born in Newnan, Georgia on December 15, 1940, to Andrew James and Inez Wood. He graduated from Newnan High School in 1958 and continued his education at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) where he graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management.

Following school, Bob served in the United States Army Reserve for several years. In 1967, he married Gayle, the love of his life, and they began their lives together in Atlanta. He was a long-time employee of Citizens and Southern Bank, ultimately becoming a Vice President in the commercial real estate division. He later changed careers to become an Associate Broker/Director of Keller Williams Commercial Atlanta Perimeter Real Estate. His co-workers at Keller Williams also became life-long friends.

Bob was a committed, active member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and director of his men’s Sunday School class for 25 years. He was a dedicated supporter of Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham Ministries, and other missionary efforts throughout the years. Bob demonstrated an unassailable faith and never missed an opportunity to witness and share the Word of salvation with others.

Bob embraced life and had a life-long passion for automobiles nurtured as a teenager when he worked at his family-owned Buick and American Motors dealerships. He was a fitness lover and avid runner, participating in the Peachtree Road Race for 17 years.

His active lifestyle centered around church and family. Bob made it a priority to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s school programs, sporting events and special occasions. He was a constant support and showed his love for family with his presence and contagious energy. Cookouts and large family gatherings were his favorite way to spend weekends.

The family patriarch, Bob was the first one to call in any emergency. His friends and family will remember him as selfless and loyal. He believed in putting others’ needs ahead of his own.

On the day of his unexpected death due to complications from a recent leg injury, Bob was at home joyfully addressing Christmas cards and personalizing each one with a special note. His compassion for others, especially those who were lonely or in need, was evident in all he did. He encouraged those he knew to be sustained in all circumstances by the love of Christ and His promise of eternal life.

Everyone who knew Bob was uplifted by his lovable character, humor, resilience, friendship, and devotion to his family and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His family finds peace in the knowledge that although his death was unexpected, his place in Heaven was prepared and waiting for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Inez Wood, and his in-laws, Dorothy and John Wahl.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Gayle W. Wood; 3 children, Stephanie (Jacob) Pellock of Milton, GA, David R. Wood of Marietta, GA, and Greg A. Wood of Woodstock, GA; 5 grandchildren, Ashton, Noah and Kate Pellock, Rylie and Logan Wood; 3 brothers, Barry (Gwen) Wood, Alan (Kay) Wood and Gary (Lynne) Wood.

The Service of Life Celebration will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. Stephen Malone Dodson and Rev. Art Wilder officiating. Visitation will be held in the sanctuary beginning at 12:00 p.m. A graveside committal will follow at Georgia Memorial Park.

The family requests donations be made to:

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (johnsonferry.org) or Billy Graham Evangelistic Assoc. (billygraham.org)

H.M. Patterson & Son – Canton Hill Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to www.hmpattersoncantonhill.com