Published: 18 January 2012
He made it through the treacherous Thanksgiving holiday, but a turkey that has been a familiar sight in downtown Woodstock met his fate over the weekend.
Bob the Turkey, or also know to some as Tom, was struck and killed by a passing car Sunday on Old Ga. 5, the area where passersby would observe the bird preening his feathers, chasing cop cars and eyeing his reflection in a utility box leading into the Serenade subdivision.
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JANET PELLETIER | LEDGER-NEWS
Bob the turkey, who was often seen near the entrance to the Serenade subdivision off Old Ga. 5 leading into downtown Woodstock, was given his final resting place Tuesday near the Welcome to Woodstock sign across the street. |
An announcement was posted on Bob’s Facebook page Sunday night, confirming the news.
“We are so thankful for all the happy memories we have of him and how in some ways he brought the community of Woodstock together. We love you so much, Bob! You were a beautiful, hilarious, fun, and brave turkey,” a status update read.
The turkey became so popular toward the latter part of 2011 that Mayor Donnie Henriques, upon the Ledger-News’ request, agreed to pardon him for the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to passersby, Bob was also a hit with nearby businesses, such as C&T Auto Services, where their sign marquee recently read, “Bob for President.”
Woodstock Public Works Director Pat Flood said the city held a small service for the bird Monday morning with a few city employees. The city recently installed a wildlife crossing sign near where Bob liked to hang out.
“Bob has become a fixture of the community and he feels like family,” he said, adding he and other employees really enjoyed seeing the bird on their drives around town.
Initially, the turkey was given a plot at the Rubes Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, but after a number of community requests, the city elected to place Bob in a spot the public could visit.
“He was moved because we had multiple requests to either view the grave or to be able to take their kids by the grave,” explained City Manager Jeff Moon. “We couldn't honor their requests at the plant due to it being a construction site.”
Bob’s final resting place is near the Welcome to Woodstock sign on Old. Ga. 5, near the entrance to the Serenade subdivision, where he was often spotted.
