On the afternoon of Saturday May 2, 2026, Bobby Gene Wood, age 87, joined his Lord and Savior. He was born to Jesse and S.T. Wood on December 27, 1938, in Beaumont, Texas.

He was raised in the sawmill town of Kirbyville, Texas. He excelled in all school sports as well as in academics. He committed his life to Christ while he was a high school student. After graduating from Kirbyville high school, he went on to complete his education at Sam Houston State University. Bobby earned his Bachelor's degree in 1962 and his Master’s degree in 1963. He also served as student body president while attending Sam Houston State University.

Bobby married his beloved wife LaRue Kleiber on June 1, 1963. Together they welcomed four children. Chris, Breck, Keri, and Jesse.

During Bobby's career in education, he served as a science teacher, coach, high school principal, school superintendent and many other positions until his retirement as a full-time educator in 1996 at the age of 57. He was a servant leader and loved his students and his community.

Bobby has been an active member of First Baptist Church Cleveland for over 55 years. He has served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for over 60 years. He served as a pre-teen camp sponsor for many years. He was a steadfast servant, dedicated to mentoring children and youth. Bobby also spent many hours coaching little league sports.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father Jesse, his mother, S.T., his brother Tony, and his sister Irvy. Bobby is survived by his wife LaRue; their four children, Chris and (Kim), Breck and (wife Sharon), Keri Arrendell and (husband Richard), Jesse and (wife Barbara). He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren. Emily Wood, Drew Arrendell, Lane Arrendell and wife Beth, Cole Arrendell and wife Ashlei, Cade Arrendell, Addie Wood, Cary Wood, Kale Wood, Ellie Wood, Reese Wood, June Wood, Tess Wood. As well as four great grandchildren with a fifth great grandson on the way. Kylie McElroy, Kase McElroy, Macie Bass, Wyatt Arrendell.

Bobby's life was a testimony and reflection of his personal relationship to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had a desire for all to know the love of Christ and have a personal relationship with him.

Visitation will be held Friday May 8, 2026 from 6-8 at Pace Stancil Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Cleveland at the Family Life Center on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Wells Cemetery on FM 1010 Cleveland, Texas.