Will Woods

Services for William “Will” Woods will be held Friday, June 21, 2019, at 2 p.m. from Sandtown United Methodist Church with Rev. John Branning and Rev. Hal Hall officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be held Thursday, June 20, 2019, from 5 until 8 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.  McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Woods, 88, of Philadelphia, died Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Mississippi Veterans Home in Kosciusko. He was a native and lifelong resident of Neshoba County.  He was a member of Chapter 677 Military Order of The Purple Heart, of which he held almost all positions at one time or another; and this organization was honored to have an individual like Patriot Woods.    This Korean veteran was proud to say “I serve my country, and would do it all over again”.  He was an active officer in Sandtown Methodist Church, an active Gideon, and always put God first in his life.  There are not many in Neshoba County who do not know this great American.  He never shunned from work, as evidenced by his many community and family commitments.  He was a retired cattle and chicken farmer, retired bus driver, and a longtime Grade A milk hauler for Neshoba and Lauderdale counties.  He had held many civic positions:  USDA board member, Dairy Association member, board member of the Forestry Association.  He served the Neshoba County Soil and Water Conservation District for close to 23 years, eight as commissioner, where he was awarded the status of Commissioner Emeritus. Until his illness and convalescence he had a near-perfect attendance record for district meetings.  He supported all educational activities within the schools, understanding the importance of educating our youth and conserving our natural resources.  He was a representative for the local county’s Cattleman’s Association, of which he was a longtime member, and served as president in 2011; and also represented Neshoba County Farm Bureau.   Despite his busy schedule, he was a devoted father and husband.   He truly loved his grandchildren.   Survivors include son, Casey Woods (Brandi) of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Garrett Woods, Drew Woods (Dylan), Kassie Woods (Curtis); great-grandchildren, Blakely Woods, Khloe’ Cumberland and Kenzie Cumberland; a host of nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Mike Hall of Columbia; sisters-in-law, Sue Hall, Betty Hall Faye Hall, all of Philadelphia, and Pat Woods of Los Angeles, CA. Mr. Woods was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Woods; parents, Dewist and Tinnie Woods; sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Lawrence, Sarah Hardy, Freddie Woods and Ludie Woods; brothers, Lesla “Bo” Woods, Robert “Tapper” Woods and Luther  “Pete” Woods.