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Obituary For Demetrius Leon Woods
Demetrius Leon Woods Sr embarked on his journey home September 8, 2022. 'Dee' Woods - as everyone knew him - saw his herculean battle with cancer come to a draw on Thursday evening. Eloise (Neal) Woods, his devoted wife of 43 years, was at his side at their family home in Byron, GA throughout his battle.
Demetrius was born to Nancy (Black) Woods and Reuben Harvey Woods on January 12, 1947. He entered the world in Miami, FL but it was always Valdosta, GA that Dee called home. Growing up in the 'Azalea City', Dee was the oldest of ten children: Gwendolyn Jefferson (George Jefferson), Clifford Woods (dec.), Sharon Wiley, Carolyn Calhoun, Cathy Folsome, James Burgman Jr (dec), Timothy Burgman, Jeffrey Burgman (Brenda) and Vanessa Williams (dec). Dee is preceded in death by his mother, father and stepfather, James Burgman Sr. Even at a young age, Dee displayed the resilience and optimism that he was known for throughout his life. He was also blessed with a spirit of service that would guide his interactions with his family, friends, church and community throughout his 75 years.
Dee graduated from Pinevale High School (1964) and later Fort Valley State University ('68 B.S Political Science). Dee is an active, lifetime member of the FVSU alumni association and has been a fixture at homecoming for fifty years. Dee championed education in both his family and larger community making time to mentor youth, organize and fund community scholarships. He proudly served as the Director of the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at Warner Robins CME Church all while propelling his own children and grandchildren to attain a collective twenty-eight undergraduate and graduate degrees. Through the WRCME SEP, Sunday School and After-School Ministry; Dee touched the lives of countless youth as a role-model, mentor and Sunday school teacher.
Dee was authentic, personable and charming in a way that endeared him to everyone he encountered. He never met a stranger in his life and he took his friendships very seriously. Still, family was more important to him than anything else. No matter how demanding his professional life was, Dee was ALWAYS there for the people he cared about. Dee was the father, brother, husband, grandfather, uncle and brother-in-law that could be counted on to show up. He always had a kind word - and sometimes a funny joke - but he was always there to deliver them with a smile.
He joined the Upsilon Sigma Chapter ("The Mighty U.S") of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in 1965 while an undergraduate student at FVSU and has been an active member of the organization. He acted as Dean of Pledges (DP) from 1967-68 developing new members including NFL Hall of Famer Larry Rayfield Wright ('67). He was named Omega Citizen of the Year in 1987 and went on to be a Charter Member of Omega Gamma Gamma Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in Warner Robins, GA, his home from 1972-2004.
Dee began his military service in 1969 after being drafted into the Army. He served two tours in Vietnam before enlisting in the Army National Guard 48th Brigade in 1974. Dee received numerous commendations during his twenty years of military service, including the Army Commendation Medal, ARC Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Army Achievement Medal. Dee also served in the first Gulf War and oversaw innumerable domestic relief operations including the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. His commitment to serving fellow veterans continued through his membership in The American Legion. Dee served four terms as Commander of The American Legion Post 594 between 1984 and 1991.
Dee worked as a civil servant at Robins Air Force Base for 35 years. His work saw him travel to 33 different countries and ultimately attain the role of F-15 Logistics Division Branch Chief. His impeccable reputation amongst the civil service on the Air Force Base endures even 20 years after his retirement in 2003.
After his retirement from civil service, Dee joined International Logistics Group in 2003. Dee helped oversee contracts in nine states and five countries as Vice President of Operations for the defense contractor. In 2016, Dee moved on from ILG to spend more time with his wife and family. Still, he served as a consultant to Concordian Properties while remaining active in his church and fraternity.
Dee served as the director of the WR CME Church FoodShare program providing families in-need with boxes of grocery. He served as Chair of the Steward Board as well as the Sunday School Ministry, Board of Christian Education, Men's Ministry and Couples Ministry, Golden Age Ministry and Grief Share ministries. Dee was a pillar of the church and the community it serves. His community service and social responsibility extended past the church to include political organizing and canvassing for POC candidates like Sanford Bishop and the co-founding of a community-service oriented social club - 'The 20-30 Club' - during the 1990's. Dee co-founded the 'Husband's Club' along with some of his life-long friends later in life.
Dee is survived by his spouse Eloise Woods, his siblings and his eight children; Traci Jackson (Clyde), Keith Woods (Patricia), Yvette Nelson (Jerry), Allison Ingram, Earl McKenzie (Tamara), Dolph Woods, Terri Ford, Demetrius Woods II (Michelle). He is preceded in death by two son-in-laws Herbert Ford Jr and Riccardo Ingram. He will also be missed by his fifteen grandchildren and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
"If I was doing any better I couldn't stand it"
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Deidra Jackson sent The Loving Light Dishgarden for Demetrius Leon Woods - September 16, 2022
In celebration of life! Now you rest peacefully... Deidra Jackson
Kristen Thomas-Lorenzo sent America the Beautiful for Demetrius Leon Woods - September 16, 2022
To Allison Ingram and Family
Our deepest condolences as you mourn the lost of your beloved step-dad.
Harry Copeland sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Demetrius Leon Woods - September 16, 2022
With deepest sympathy
Harry Copeland & family Gainesville Fl
Serene Lily Basket was sent for Demetrius Leon Woods - September 15, 2022
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden was sent for Demetrius Leon Woods - September 15, 2022
I just found out today 10/28 about Dee's passing. Eloise and family I am so sorry. I don't get on Facebook much or get the paper so sometimes I don't hear about these things. Dee was a special man, accomplished in so many ways, a man of integrity and faith that we need more of. AND when he married you, y'all formed a dynamic blended family that amazed all of us. You certainly shall miss him mightily but my friend you will find that the Lord will give you what you need to go on. I love you.
To Keith - we pray God give you and your family comfort, peace, and strength during this time. Thinking of you always. Arnese and Debbie
Good evening. Was in the presence of Mr. Woods for only a few hours total. Listening to his story for those few hours made me recognize and appreciate one who truly "gave back" with sincerity and integrity the blessings of which he was endowed. Mr. Dee Woods will be missed but his legacy will remain with us through each and every life he touched on this journey. The Ancient One.
To Keith, Dolph, Terri and Woods Family. May God grant you comfort and peace during this season of grief. We extend our deepest condolences and will keep you all lifted in prayer. Robert and Anna Smith.
To Keith, Dolph, Terri and the Woods Family. May God grant you comfort and peace during this season of grief. We extend our deepest condolences and will keep you all lifted in prayer. Robert and Anna Smith.
Brother Gerry Wilson (Chi Gamma Gamma) and Christine DessellesWilson mourn with you and your family as we offer our sincerest heartfelt condolences. May God comfort and console your family during this difficult time.
Brother Keith, Christine and I mourn with you and your family as we offer our sincerest heartfelt condolences. May God comfort and console your family during this difficult time.
We are praying for the Woods Family during this time of bereavement, Charles and Donna McCord
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be your strength. Jervy & Ryketia Strong
To Eloise and the entire Woods family, please know that we offer love, prayer and sympathy in your hour of loss. It seems that we have known "Dee" for most of our adult lives. He along with his brother, Cliff, and I were house mates while attending Fort Valley State . He was a giving person and while at Fort Valley State, he let me borrow his little Volkswagen when no other person dared lend me their car. "Dee" was a great guy . We shall truly miss him . Houston and Christine Porter.
To The Woods Family. With Sympathy and Prayer; May your faith be a comfort at this difficult time. May God's love give you strength and bring peace to your hearts. We are thinking of you all. From Aunt Lump's children: Silas Graham Jr., Carrie Bell Graham Byrd, John A Graham, and Avery Nell Graham with Love.
To the Family of Mr.Woods my condolences. He was ever so caring with my mother Annie Jordan during the time I was in Georgia caring for her. He was a rare gift. Barbara Morgan & Family
Warner Robins CME Church is really going to miss our dear friend Mr. Woods great mentor friend advisor chairman of the Stewarts a real true boss.
Please accept our condolence for your lost. May God continue to comfort you now and always. God bless.
George & Sheila Casey Sr. Columbus, GA.
Dear Eloise and family. My heart breaks for you all. I pray God gives you the strength and peace to help you endure your precious loss. My love and thoughts are with you. Marianne Melnick
Dear Eloise and family. My heart breaks for you all. I pray God will give you the strength and peace to help you endure your precious loss. My love and thoughts are with you.
To Eloise, Demetrius Jr, and the rest of the family. My thoughts goes out to you all at this time of Sadness. Sometimes it helps a little when your grief is hard to bear to know there are others who understand and care. In Sympathy and Friendship from a cousin. Thinking of you all. John A Graham, Williamsburg, Virginia
You will always be missed and remembered for the smile, gentleness, kindness and always giving in any way you can. I can't forget the yearly barbecues you loved to have bringing our families together for such a fun time. We are so sorry to see you go but know you are in God's loving hands now. RIP Uncle Dee.
Always loved Raymond and Shirley Miley
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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