Demetrius Leon Woods

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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