It is with great sadness that the family of Jackie “Jack” Woods announces his passing on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at the age of 84.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Juanita Tucker Woods and his children, Richard (Lisha) of Tifton, Jack (Robyne) of Pelham, and Anita of Roswell. In addition, he is survived by his much loved nine grandchildren (Abbey, Kimberly, Paul, Jacob, Ryan, Benjamin, Sadie, Maggie, and Molly) along with several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born June 3, 1936 in Ocilla, Jack was the son of the late George Woods and Annie Grantham Woods. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Sara Grace Woods Jones and Patsy “Pat” Woods Dorminey Croy.
Aside from his family, Jack’s greatest devotion was to the United States Navy (US Navy). He enlisted in the US Navy in 1954 and his first deployment was on the USS Mansfield, an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer. Jack loved being on the sea protecting the people of the United States and traveling all over the world. As a Machinist Mate, Jack served aboard destroyers, cruisers, repair, and supply class ships. During his service years, he served in the Korean and Vietnam war. Jack retired honorably from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in 1984 after 30 years of service.
After retirement from the US Navy, he worked in Albany, Fitzgerald, and Tifton. In Fitzgerald, he worked as the Maintenance Supervisor of the Ben Hill County School System. After this, he operated the steam engine train at The Georgia Museum of Agriculture, formerly known as The Georgia Agrirama, in Tifton.
Jack finally retired in 2002 with his wife, Juanita, in Tifton. During his final years of retirement, he loved taking care of their yard and spending time with his family.
A graveside funeral service will be held for Jack at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Tifton, where he will be laid to rest with military honors. The Rev. Roger Tucker will officiate.
Flowers will be accepted or a tribute /memorial gift may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (website: alz.org).