Richard Stephen Woods

Woods, Richard (“Dick”) Stephen, 80, was welcomed by his Lord, Jesus Christ, August 7, 2016 while happily living at the home of his youngest daughter. He was born in Troy, NY to William Francis and Mary Esther Woods. The family later moved to Miami, FL where he met and married Carol J. Anizel, mother to, Richard S. Woods, Jr., and began his career with the U.S. Army. Later, Dick married Marie Adair McConnell and lovingly inherited his first 2 daughters, Linda and Wendy. Maryesther was born to Dick and Marie. Two years into their marriage, Dick came to know Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior, enjoying 49 years of Christian service. Following the passing of Marie, his wife of 47 years, Dick and Carol were reunited in marriage. Dick’s U.S. Army career spanned 27 years, during which he served 2 tours in Vietnam, 1 tour in Beirut Lebanon and 3 tours with his families in Germany. He served valiantly as paratrooper, Special Forces and Green Beret earning many distinguished awards. Though afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, due to his service in Vietnam, Dick’s faith in the Lord never wavered. Serving the Lord in mission work with his wife Marie, Dick was blessed to be used by God in the leading of countless numbers of people in coming to know the Lord as their personal Savior. This is what he would be most proud to be remembered by. Dick is survived by wife, Carol J. Barber-Woods; his son, Richard S. (Debra) Woods, Jr.; daughters Linda (Henry) Schoonyoung, Wendy (Joe) Carns and Maryesther Woods; Grandchildren Russ, Tom, Christina, Naomi, Stephen, Chris, James and the late Rick Asbell. He was dear great-grandpa to 14, brother of 5, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend of many. He enjoyed retirement years at Sunbird Golf Resort where he was very active in golf, tennis, water aerobic and he especially loved to dance.

Funeral services with military honors will be 10:00 AM Sat. Aug. 20, 2016 at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248, with interment in Valley of the Sun Cemetery with visitation from 9:00 – 10:00 AM. A reception will follow at the Sunbird Golf Resort from 12:30 - 2:30 PM