In Memory Of H.W. (Bud) Woods Jr.
December 22, 1943 – August 9, 2017
It is with heavy hearts we announce that our loving father, beloved papa, brother, uncle and friend, H.W. (Bud) Woods Jr., passed away on August 9th, 2017 at the age of 73. After years of battling health problems, his body grew tired and he passed peacefully in Illinois.
Bud was born December 22, 1943 in Sikeston, Missouri to H.W. and Bobbye Woods. After graduating Centralia Township High School in Centralia, Illinois, he courageously enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He bravely served and survived two tours in Vietnam.
After returning to the U.S., Bud enjoyed life in sunny Southern California. He used his dependability, initiative and leadership skills in upper management with Vons for over 25 years, while raising his family in Fillmore. Bud moved to the town of Moorpark for several years to stay with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Recently, Bud decided to move back to Centralia IL, which he always considered his home. While he was missed immensely, we knew this was his wish.
We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Bud, one of which was living with dignity. He had many health problems in his life, but refused to let them deter his cheerful outlook. He showed us that in life, attitude is everything; it is what shapes our beliefs. He never stopped proudly cheering on his grandchildren at their many events. He never stopped listening to his favorite music and singing loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear. He never stopped meeting new people, nor did he lose his charismatic personality and sharp wit. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him would agree that he was a man of great character. He showed us that you don't stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.
As a proud USMC veteran, Bud taught us the values of respect, duty, and personal courage. One would rarely catch him without his favorite USMC hat or shirt displaying his pride. He took the motto Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) to heart, always offering unwavering loyalty to his country and the corps.
Bud was the moral fiber of our family, a true hero to each and every one of us. We were lucky enough to be a very tight-knit family and spend a great amount of time with him. The bond Bud had with his children and grandchildren was unbreakable. We are better people for having known him. Bud will remain an inspiration to our family and will forever be missed.
Bud is survived by his proud children Kacey Woods and Adam Woods (with daughter-in-law Lindsay); his adoring grandchildren Tyler and Ava Woods; and his devoted sisters Carol Pawlisa (with husband Augie), & Jan Just (with husband Butch). Bud was preceded in death by his upstanding parents H.W. Woods and Bobbye Woods, and his cherished brother, Tom Woods.
A private family memorial service will be held in Illinois, honoring his wishes. Contributions in memory of Bud may be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, c/o Wounded Warrior Center, Bldg H49, Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055