A native of Tucker, Georgia, Bob Wood graduated from Tucker High School and attended Washington University in St. Louis. After commencing his business career in medical sales, Wood worked in the family business, Brown Transport and Harper Motor Lines, during the 1960s and 1970s. Meanwhile, he held Bible studies in his home, the nucleus of Killian Hill Baptist Church, which he began to pastor in 1972. In 1977, Bob Jones III asked him to become executive vice president of BJU. In addition to managing the operation of the University, he frequently preached in chapel. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1974 until his death.