Preston Ormond Woods, Jr.

Preston was the son of Ormond and Marion Porterfield Woods of Hurdle Mills. He graduated from Aycock High School in 1958 and attended Durham Technical Institute. He served in the US Marine Corps Reserve. He was a farmer, machinist/painter (Wright’s Machinery, Durham), master bricklayer, food services manager, crane operator (Dennis Equipment Company, Durham), and steel construction foreman (Tom O’Quinn Rigging Service, Raleigh). During his retirement years in Clayton, he enjoyed assisting neighbors with tobacco crops and lawn maintenance.

Preston was a strong, personable yet quiet, man of great Faith who lived life fully, and longed for the day he would “see Jesus.” He was a wonderful father and loyal, devoted husband.

Preston loved God’s “perfect Creation” (the Earth, animals, Nature). He was a fisherman, an avid bowler, was fascinated with airplanes, and enjoyed country dancing at the American Legion where he met his wife Fannie Lou, whom he married in 1996. He was a member of American Legion Post 109 in Benson, NC.

He was a member of Cleveland Presbyterian Church in Clayton.

Preston is preceded in death by his wife, Fannie Massengill Woods of Clayton; former wife and mother of his two children, Joy Antionette Woods of Hillsborough/Hurdle Mills; son Jonathan Preston Woods of Hillsborough/Hurdle Mills; and brother George Edward Woods of Hurdle Mills.

He is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Renee Woods of Durham; sisters Carolyn Stratford of Ft. Lauderdale, Kathy Blalock of Havelock, and Linda Terrell of Hillsborough; sisters-in-law Giovannia Creech of Durham, and Wanda Brantley of Wilson; stepsons Randy and Robert Massengill; cousins Carl and Mike Perkins, Betty Compton (Dwight), and John Toler; several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Cremation Memorial Service arrangements are through McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. The service will be officiated by Reverend Gary Howell and held in the chapel of the funeral home on Sunday, 10 November 2024. Visitation is from 2-3pm. The Celebration of Life will begin at 3pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.