Woods, Robert Lee "Buddy"

Walked To The Beat Of His Own Drum

  • Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Robert Lee "Buddy" Woods
Robert Lee "Buddy" Woods

Robert Lee "Buddy" Woods, 86, left his troubles behind and entered a well-deserved eternal rest on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

He was a man who walked to the beat of his own drum, sometimes leaving those of us who loved him wondering where he was going and what he was going to do once he got there. Buddy was a man of strong faith. Highly intelligent, he was able to justify his actions to the point of appearing genius on one hand and very wily on the other hand. He knew a lot about nature, and was comfortable around all types of people.

Born to Bart and Virginia Woods in Rossville, Ga., he treasured his small town upbringing and revisited his roots often as he aged. Part of his youth was spent with his aunts in Richmond, Va.He eventually returned to Rossville, marrying his beautiful wife Shirley, and starting a family. He was proud to have been a part of the management team at Peerless Woolen Mill. That experience launched his career as a concrete engineer. He made an excellent “Father Christmas” for a local photographer and derived great pleasure in letting several children believe that the movie Elf was a biography of his life.

Buddy was predeceased by his parents, son Jeff, daughter Cathi, and granddaughter, Andrea. His siblings, Mary Anne, Carolyn, and Eddie also preceded him in passing.

He is survived by daughters, Susan Fullerton (Scott) and Amy Wheeler, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, along with siblings, Sherry Flegal (Danny) and Jo Banzhaf, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Simpson Memorial UMC, 601 McFarland Ave., Rossville, Ga. 30741, on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 3 p.m. A private interment will be held on Friday at Lakewood Memory Garden South.

Those wishing to honor Buddy in some way might consider doing so by making a donation to Simpson Memorial UMC or a donation to the Chattanooga Foundation for the homeless in the form of money, time, clothing, or toiletries. Buddy did for others with a kind and loving heart. Perhaps you will be led to show a kindness to someone needing a helping hand or an uplifting word while thinking of him. It is by doing for others that we ourselves are healed.

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