5/14/1937-4/1/2026

Bobby Lee Wood, 88 of Hixson, TN, died on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

He was born in Bakersfield, CA to the late James Lawrence Wood and Bessie Louise Arter Wood. Bobby was the youngest of 11 children. He was a member of RiverLakes Community Church in Bakersfield, CA. Bobby was an avid hunter which led him to become a founding member of the Kern County Gun Club. 

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, completing Naval Aviation School and later attending night school to earn his Associates Degree. While serving in the U.S. Navy, his responsibilities included the testing and programing of various aircraft. After his time in the military, he worked on the Missile Program at Vanderberg Air Force Base, now known as Vanderberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, CA. Bobby retired as an Engineer from Lockheed, where he spent many years using his knowledge in the building of various aircraft. One project he was extremely proud to be a part of was the development of the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft.

Other than his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his son, Bryan James Wood and his 10 siblings.

Bobby died just 12 days shy of he and Ann celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on April 13. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ann B. Likens Wood; daughter, Paula Elizabeth Feys; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date at Greenlawn Cemetery, SW, in Bakersfield, CA.

Arrangements are by the Cremation Center of Chattanooga, 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Suite B, Chattanooga, TN 37421, 423-430-6802.