Thomas M. Woody Woods

Thomas Moore "Woody" Woods, 76, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, died Monday, January 7, 2019, at the VA Hospital in Little Rock. He was born May 28, 1942, in Asheville, North Carolina, a son of the late James Moore Woods and Metta Jane (Northern) Woods. In addition to his parents, Woody was preceded in death by his beloved nanny who was instrumental in his upbringing, Wilhelmina, who he loved until the day she died. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Riggs who raised him and Peggy Woods; a brother, Billy Knowles, and his brother-in-law, Vern "Capt. Beetle" Waters. He was a United States Air Force Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was of the Baptist faith. Woody retired from Golden Eagle, having worked in beer distributing for many years for names such as Stag, Miller and Budweiser. It would be an understatement to say that Woody loved his family; he would do anything to take care of them. He had many things in life he enjoyed such as racing dirt bikes, boating, especially spending time at Choctaw and on the Arkansas River. In retirement, he settled into his routine of farm time. He would begin preparing for his trip over to the family farm with his traveling buddy Gizmo. The farm was a place where his family and many friends would gather every day, and many would frequently stop by to visit and "have a beer." The "tree" was where many of the family events are held and you would most likely find Woody manning the grill with some of his famous ribs. It didn't matter if it were below freezing or 110 degrees; the tree was a place for family and friends, and he made time for them most every day. One thing you may know about him, was the pride he had in his boys. Not many days passed that he wasn't with one or both of them. And, oh he had to keep up with them, down to the latest IPhone. Woody is survived by the mother of his sons, and love of his life, Jackie of North Little Rock; his sons, Donny and Ron Woods both of North Little Rock; grandchildren, Tyler Woods, Brittany York, Hayley Woods, and McKenzie Lawrence; great-grandchildren, Madden and Knox York and Gracie Mae Lawrence and a grandson on the way. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Celesta Waters; and a number of nephews, nieces and a multitude of friends who will miss him more than he would ever know. The family is planning a service at a later date to honor Woody's life in a more suitable temperature, and if you knew him, he didn't like the cold and wouldn't have everybody out ‘til the temperature was warm. A visitation will be held at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., Friday, January 11, 2019, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. The family would like to offer a heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the VA Hospital for all of the love and care they have given Woody, especially Nurse Joanie. Please share your memories and messages of love, comfort and support with his family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.