Willie Edd Woods also known as “Tractor” and “Coach”, was born August 30, 1944 to the parents of Arthur and Lucille Woods in Cason, Texas. Willie united and was baptized at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Cason, TX under the leadership of the late, Rev. R.A. McCurry. In 1976, he moved his membership to New Faith Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Rev. F.L. Aubrey and currently under the leadership of Pastor, Rev. Earl Gibson. He received his formative education in Morris County, Cason and Dangerfield, Texas. Willie graduated from Dangerfield High School in Dangerfield, TX in 1964. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Bishop College, Dallas, Texas. He received his Master of Education Degree in Administration from Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas. After completion of education, he served as an assistant to the president at Alvin Jr. College in Alvin, Texas and 41 years with Dallas Independent School District as a teacher and coach. He was a member of The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Delta Epsilon Anthropos. Willie touched the lives of many youth and was the recipient of numerous honors, awards and commendation for his dedicated work and many years of services. During college, June 18, 1967, he met the love of his life, his wife Ellen Woods and to this union two children were born, Christie Woods and Stephanie Woods.
Willie was an active member of New Faith Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Earl Gibson. He served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, musician and a member of the male chorus. Willie was also a member of The Miracle Airs Gospel Group of Dallas, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoyed singing, traveling, gardening, fishing, playing his guitar, hunting, following sporting activities of his nephews and nieces, and going to Cason Texas to take care of his horses. He leaves to cherish his memory: loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Ellen Woods of Hutchins, Texas. His daughters, Marvena Woods, Christie Woods, and Stephanie Woods. His grandchildren, Joshua Jordan, Terrence Jordan and Jailyn Woods-McGarthy. His great-grandchildren, Jayce Jordan and Ace Jordan. His sister Argie Nelle (Melvin) White of Ft. Worth, Texas, Joyce Gholston of Longview, Texas. His brother Lawrence (Juana) Woods of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His Sister-in-Law Malinda Woods of Andrew, Texas and Bennie Woods of Cedar Hill, Texas. His niece Nikia Woods of Hutchins, Texas. His relatives in Cason, Texas that he loved so dearly. Special friends Rev. and Sis. F.L. Aubrey. Along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, friends and his church family. On Thursday, September 9, 2021 in Dallas, Texas, the angel of silence came for Willie, releasing him from all pain, suffering and daily worries. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lucille Woods, his brothers Gerald Woods and Winford Woods, and his sister Vivian Gibbs.
A Celebration of Life Order of Celebration Rev. Jerry Gholston Officiant
Processional Musical Selection...........................New Faith Missionary Baptist Church Male Chorus Rev. E. Gibson, Pastor Comfort from Scripture Old Testament......................................................................................................................Rev. Jerry Gholston New Testament............................................................................................................................Rev. Keith Carter Prayer of Consolation................................................................................................Rev. Jerry Gholston Musical Selection......................................................................................Miracle Airs of Dallas, Texas Resolutions............................................................................New Faith Missionary Baptist Church Expressions......................................................................................The National Sorority of PDK, Inc. Delta Epsilon Anthropos Charles Redd, Dallas ISD
Adelle Turner Elementary
Family Tribute...............................................................................................................................Rashaun Woods Words of Comfort.................................................................................................................Lawrence Woods Musical Selection..........................................................................................................................Ashley Dooley Eulogy.......................................................................................................................................Rev. Cleveland Starr Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church Forest Hill, Texas
Recessional /Parting View.................................................................Clergy, Pallbearers & Family
My Dad: The First Man to Love Me Example of Love Willie Woods, my daddy, will always and forever be the blueprint of a true dad. I have never had to wonder or ask if my dad loved me because he always showed it through his actions.
As they say, actions speak louder than words and boy were his actions emphatic. My dad was the first man to love me, the first man to teach me, the first man to give me compliments, and the first man to take care of me when I was sick. He was the first man to comfort me when I was down, the first man to celebrate my accomplishments, the first man to give me the best birthdays and holidays a girl could ever dream of, and the first man to dance with me. My dad was the first man to tell me that everything about me, in his eyes, was perfect, and the first to show me what true and real love and sacrifice looks like. My dad, with substantiated evidence, knew and understood
My daddy is a man like no other. He gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, fought for me, held me, disciplined me but most importantly he loved me unconditionally. You taught me how to swim, ride a back, shoot a gun, change a tire, how to dance (the rubber legs), how to BBQ, mold my faith, how a lady should carry herself, how to pick myself up when disappointments arise, how to go to work and not miss days (still haven’t gotten to your level on this one yet ). There are not enough words I can say to describe just how important you were to me and what powerful influence you continue to be. Love you always daddy -Your Big Bird,
Christie
his job of being a true dad by demonstrating the characteristics of its’ definition. He recognized and executed his daddy duties, with selflessness, compassion, and attentiveness without hesitation when it came to my well-being and my future. He was and will always be the epitome of a true dad and for that, I say Thank you and I Love You forever and always. Your baby daughter,
Stephanie
To My Daddy the first man that ever loved me, taught me how to dance and be cool. Daddy I wish we had more time to laugh, talk and sit and watch westerns. I will always remember the wisdom you shared, the stories you shared about your childhood. Daddy If I had one wish right now it would be to hear your laugh once more see that contagious smile and hear you sing again. I will always have the wonderful memories of us headed to Cason laughing and talking all the way. Daddy when GOD took you a big part of me left too, I am so thankful GOD chose you to be my Daddy, I can truthfully say I had the world’s greatest daddy who loved me unconditionally. Daddy you were my Hero, the wind beneath my wings. I Love you Daddy and I know you are in Heaven smiling down on me.
Shunay
A Tribute to Our PaPa
I’ll always remember that special smile, that caring heart, that warm embrace, you always gave me. You being there for me through good and bad times, no matter what. I’ll always remember you Papa because there’ll never be another one to replace you in my heart, and the love I will always have for you.
Tootie
How much time can one man have, had time to be a great father, had time to be a great husband, had time to be a great teacher/coach, had time to be a great brother, had time to be a great son, had time to serve the Lord, and if you needed something or someone to talk to then he had time for you too.
Josh
Thank you for doing all the small things from day 1. Blessed to have a papa like mine, he was consistently clutch. Whether it was church, school, sports, first car or first girlfriend. My papa came thru and never hesitated.
Terrence
UNCLE.... He isn’t my father. He isn’t my brother. He’s the one out the family, who’s more like a friend. He plays with me, laughs with me, teases me, has fun with me. He spends time with me, encourages me, talks with me, cheers for me.
He might act like a father. He might seem like my brother. But one things for sure, he was my best friend. I love you Uncle PawPaw. Love always,
Jaxson
My Charm, Ellen Beginning June 18, 1967 until… Must have been cold there in my shadow To never have sunlight on your face You were content to let me shine, that’s your way You always walked a step behind So I was the one with all the glory While you were the one with all the strength A beautiful face without a name for so long A beautiful smile to hide the pain Did you ever know that you’re my hero? And everything I would like to be I can fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings It might have appeared to go unnoticed But I’ve got it all here in my heart I want you to know, I know the truth, of course I know it I would be nothing without you Did you ever know that you’re my hero?
You’re everything I wish I could be I could fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings Did I ever tell you you’re my hero? You’re everything, everything I wish I could be Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings ‘Cause you are the wind beneath my wings Oh, the wind beneath my wings You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings Fly, fly, so high against the sky So high I almost touch the sky Thank you, thank you Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings Forever until we meet again
Willie
In Loving
Memory of a Very Special Husband When God was making husbands as far as I can see, he made a special soulmate especially for me, He made a perfect gentleman, compassionate, and kind, with more love and affection than you can ever wish to find. He gave my darling husband a heart of solid gold, He gave me wonderful memories only my heart can hold, He was someone I could talk to that no one can replace, He was someone I could laugh with til tears ran down my face. Next time we meet will be at heaven’s door. When I see you standing door I won’t cry anymore. I will put my arms around you and kiss your smiling face, then the pieces of my broken heart will fall back into place. Miss you so much until we meet again.
Ellen
Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge all of the expressions of support, encouragement, acts of kindness and love demonstrated during our time of bereavement. Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, that we saw sitting there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts we thank you so much for whatever part. Thank you for joining us as we reflect upon the love, life and legacy Willie Woods brought into our lives and into the world. With Love, The Woods Family
Active Pallbearers Jamal Jones Gary Woods Rashaun Woods D’Juan Woods Donnovan Woods Geremy Woods Honorary Pallbearers Billy Wayne Woods James Rodger Gailland White Ronnie Williams Mack Tubbs Donald Tubbs Sonnie Traylor Garland Hollin
Final Earthly Resting Place Laurel Land Funeral Home 6300 R.L. Thornton Freeway Dallas, Tx 75232 Funeral Arrangements Entrusted To: Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home 6449 University Hills Blvd. Dallas, TX 75241 Due to COVID 19 restrictions, we are unable to host a repast at this time. Program Design: DemarcusMcGaughey.com