Bobby Lewis Woods passed away peacefully at his home on April 16, 2023 at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with cancer. Bobby was born in Benton, Kentucky on October 19, 1952 to the late Joe Lawrence and Eudella (Penney) Woods. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Alice Bryant and Laneda Turner.
Beloved husband to his wife of 46 years, Linda (Matherne) Woods, loving father to his daughter Laura Rondot (husband Luke), and adored “Papaw” to his two grandchildren- Caralyn and Delaney. He was 5th of 6 in his family, survived by his siblings Janice Gaines , Nina Jo (Jody) Bratcher, and William Woods (wife Benetta).
Bobby grew up in Briensburg and took pride in the log cabin home he built for his family. When he wasn’t at home, he enjoyed spending time at his river camp in Gilbertsville, Kentucky. He was a devoted member of Hamlet Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, Kentucky.
Bobby was a proud alumni of Murray State University where he obtained multiple Degrees in Industrial Education and Education Administration. One of Bobby’s greatest accomplishments in his life was his gift as an educator. He is retired Director of Marshall County Technical Center, former chairperson and teacher of information technology and technology education at Marshall County High School, and former Teacher of Industrial Arts at North Marshall Junior High. At MCHS he was instrumental in overhauling the school’s traditional industrial arts program into a modern holistic program integrating academics and utilizing current and emerging technology . The program’s modular lab served as a pilot program for the state of Kentucky in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He was a recipient of many honors and awards during his career including the KY Applied Technology Education Association (KATEA) Teacher of the Year (1994), International Technology Education Association (ITEA) Teacher Excellence Award (1995 & 1998), National Technology Student Association (TSA) Advisor of the year (1998-1999), and the Kentucky TSA Advisor of the Year (2002). Bobby was an inspiring educator and mentor who touched many lives throughout his career. He lit up when talking about teaching and his former students up until his final days.
Bobby was a loving, kind man who was a friend to everyone he met. He enjoyed his retirement traveling with his wife, spending time with his grandkids and completing missionary work through Kentucky Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and North American Mission Board. He traveled around the country and world helping others in need and spreading the Gospel. He volunteered for many callouts, but two of his most memorable missions were helping with disaster relief in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and teaching motorcycle engine repair in Africa. Bobby was cherished and loved by his family and friends and his passing leaves a heavy hole in the hearts of all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Collier Funeral Chapel with his Pastor Brother Johnny Coffenberry officiating. Burial to follow at Marshall County Memory Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Thursday between the hours of 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Collier Funeral Home, located at 211 West 5th St., Benton, KY.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations to the American Cancer Association. The family would like to express gratitude and acknowledge the caring staff of Marshall County Home Health and Mercy Health Hospice.