Thomas Woods, Sr.

On July 15th of 2024, Thomas (Tommy) Franklin Woods, Sr. climbed the last few steps to heaven. Tommy was born in Odum, Georgia on October 18, 1942 and grew up in Jesup, Georgia. As a young man he moved to St. Marys, Georgia for most of his life to work at Gilman Paper Company. 

Tommy loved to fish and hunt any time he had the chance. He enjoyed listening to foxhounds and never let a little or a lot of rain stop him from fishing. He grew up sweeping a yard without grass and with a gun that fell apart after every shot. Tommy worked hard to enjoy a good laugh, good fried shrimp, and keeping us guessing. Over his lifetime he survived getting lost at sea, getting bitten by a snake during a hurricane and accidentally being shot. He left this world peacefully having used up more than his share of living. 

Tommy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Outlaw Woods, who loved him dearly. He leaves behind his daughter, Cyndy Woods Horne of Kingsland, Georgia and son, Dr. Thomas (Amy) Woods, Jr. of Valdosta, Georgia. He had four grandchildren Morgan Loomis (Clint), Aubry Horne, Wyatt Woods and Tate Woods as well as four great grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Edna Aponte and Cheryll Pierce. 

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Lee Johns Woods and Leroy Woods, grandsons Carson and Reed Woods, sisters Sylvia Boatright and Dixie Griffis as well as brothers Wayne, Willie and Nick Woods 

 A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held Thursday, July 18th at 11 o’clock a.m. at the Carson McLane Chapel in Valdosta, Georgia.