Ranger Boats founder Forrest L. Wood, 87, passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family, including his beloved wife of 68 years, Nina Wood. This news comes four days after FLW announced he was in critical condition at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
On Facebook, the family expressed their sincere thanks to the medical team who cared for Wood. Funeral arrangements are currently pending and are expected to be released soon.
Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson posted this statement following Wood's death:
"It was my honor to know Forrest Wood, and his passing is a deeply sad moment for our entire state. Forrest embodied the best of Arkansas. He was an entrepreneur who brought thousands of jobs to northern Arkansas with his founding of Ranger Boats. His business accomplishments have been recognized in the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame, and his contributions to the world of fishing and recreation have made Arkansas a destination point for fishermen from all over the world. He loved Arkansas, and Arkansas loved Forrest Wood. Susan and I express our condolences and prayers for Nina and the entire Wood family."
FLW Fishing posted the following statement on its website:
"Forrest and Nina are best known as the founders of Ranger Boats, but their role in the formation of the tournament fishing industry extends well beyond building bass boats. They supported every tournament organization in the fledgling years and backed professional anglers across the continent. Their hard work and dedication were intrinsic to the success of the sport. When FLW was launched in 1996, Irwin Jacobs asked Forrest if he'd be willing to lend his initials to the organization, as Forrest represented the ideals that Jacobs had in mind for FLW: honor, class, integrity. Gracefully, Forrest accepted. But Forrest was more than a figurehead to all of us at FLW. He and Nina are family. He will be greatly missed by everyone in our organization."
And from Kathy Fennel, FLW executive vice president and general manager, came this:
"Forrest Wood's legacy and impact across every facet of our sport is indisputable. FLW is fortunate and honored to call him a friend and the namesake of our company. We join the rest of the fishing world in mourning the passing of this legendary man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nina and the entire Wood family during this time."
Wood served on the Arkansass Game and Fish Commission from 1998 to 2005. He is a member of the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, International Boating Hall of Fame, National Marine Manufacturers Hall of Fame, Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, Arkansas Game and Fish Hall of Fame, Arkansas Walk of Fame, and Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.
Funeral services for Wood will be at Flippin First Baptist Church at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. Due to the expected turnout, additional parking will be available at Hickey Park (123 Hickey Park Place) and Vexus Boats (727 W. Industrial Park Road). Shuttles will be provided before and after the service.
Following the funeral, the family will receive all friends in the church fellowship hall. A reception, with appetizers, will take place in the Family Life Center in conjunction with the visitation.
A graveside burial will be private. Those who knew Forrest also should know that jeans and boots will do just fine. Memorial contributions can be made to the Flippin Cemetery by mailing to the Flippin Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 211, Flippin, AR 72634. Services provided by Roller-Burns Funeral Home.
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