Robert L. Woods is now absent from the body and present with the Lord. There is no doubt that he has found a comfy recliner and is now sitting watching his beloved Atlanta Braves, one of his favorite pastimes.

On Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 11:30 p.m., in the house that he and Marjorie built in 1970, Robert Woods left his earthen vessel for his prepared place with the Lord. Born April 22, 1923, to the late Morris and Mary Brown he was later adopted by his grandparents Rebecca and Collin Woods. He attend school through the 6th grade. It is believed that he and his brother Ellis did not finish school to help his grandparents tend to farm work.

Robert was drafted in the United States Army on February 10, 1943 at the age of 20. He entered service and completed his basic training in Fort Benning, Ga. After training, he soon departed the U.S. in support of World War II (July 1943). He was assigned to Company C, 95th Engineers, as a light truck driver. There he supported battles and campaigns in Normandy, Rhineland Ardennes, Northern France, and Central Europe. His awards include the Good Conduct Medal, Drivers Badge and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with Silver Star. He returned home in August 1945. During his time in the U.S. Army, he obtained the rank of Private First Class (PFC).

Marjorie was a bartender at The Red Top when she and Robert met. They married on February 29, 1964, a leap year. They built their home of love at 415 Spivey Lane.

Robert began a long career at Owen-Illinois (known as the paper mill) in 1955. He charted the path for others by becoming the first African American crane operator. For 31 years he worked rotating shifts. He officially retired on April 1, 1986. He took up fishing and drove his Ford pickup truck with a vanity license plate that read “No worry, no hurry, no phone, no boss RETIRED.”

When the hustle and bustle of the world became too much, he’d go visit the neighborhood watering hole, The Red Top. He’d arrive back home spreading joy by asking “Is everybody happy?” He sure was. Robert was a gentle soul with a big heart. Very seldom would he say no when someone would ask him to borrow a few dollars, or drive them to the store. It was the interactions with those within his community which helped fuel his long life.

On a cool spring or summer day it wasn’t hard to find Robert. He loved sitting on the porch reading the Valdosta Daily Times, solving a hidden word puzzle to keep his mind sharp, or people watching those traveling down Spivey Lane. A lifelong Atlanta Braves fan, you’d be hard pressed to find him not watching his beloved team. Baseball brought him so much joy, even when those “sorry sap-suckers,” would lose.

Robert leaves to cherish many wonderful and joy filled memories, his devoted children: Elizabeth (Eddie)Edwards (Valdosta, Ga), Belinda Fair (Valdosta, Ga), Robert (Delsina) Woods Jr. (Ellenwood, Ga), Darlene Thomas (Valdosta, Ga), Bernetta (Charles) Boles (Valdosta, Ga), Brandon Roberts (Valdosta, Ga). 13 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, two sisters Dorothy Wade (Leesburg, FL) and Carrie Bell Cobbs (Ft Myers, FL) a host of nieces, nephews and a legions of other relatives and friends.

Proceeding him in death is his wife Marjorie Miller Woods, two brothers Ellis Woods and Moses Davis Sr.

Robert attend church at The Greater Saint James Missionary Baptist Church. He leaves to all who knew him the love and wisdom obtained through much time spent at The Tree of Knowledge.

Graveside service for Mr. Robert Woods will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Pallbearer Cemetery with Rev. T. J. Haynes officiating.