Leroy "Woodie" Woods

Leroy “Woodie” Woods, born June 7, 1937 to Tressa C. Woods (Starling) and Albert Woods, passed away on May 15, 2015. Woodie was born in Maysville, Ok but came to Ca as an infant during the dustbowl era. He grew up in Goshen, Ca where his Dad owned and operated an automotive repair business. He spent the majority of his youth helping his Dad in the business and learned to love the trade. Throughout his entire life he was involved in collecting and restoring vintage and classic vehicles from the ground up. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and most anything from bygone days. He was a US Army Veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict era.

Woodie met his future wife, Jean Riley, at the old Visalia Roller Skating Rink. They married on June 2, 1961 and were married just shy of 54 years. On November 3,1962 they welcomed their beautiful baby daughter, Kelly Rachelle Woods to their family. During their marriage they lived in Salinas, Ca then moved to Santa Cruz, Ca where he established his automotive body & paint shop, Woodie’s Customs, specializing in customizing motorcycles. The family returned to Visalia in 1973 where he became employed and retired from State of Ca Dept of Transportation.

Woodie was a lifetime member of the Tulare Olive Branch Masonic Lodge #269 where he served as Master of the Lodge for two terms. He enjoyed being actively involved in various branches of the Masonic Organization, including in part, Fresno Tehran Shriners, Fresno Scottish Rite, Tulare County Scottish Rite, Tulare County Tin Lizzies and the York Rite. He served in several capacities in these groups and especially enjoyed driving his little Tin Lizzie car in parades.

Leroy Woods was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Willard Woods and Jack (Betty) Woods. He is survived by his wife, Jean and his daughter, Kelly Wilson, two sisters, Rose Ellen (Mike) Estrada and Lynne (Barney) Collins and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family including in-laws.

A very special thank you to all those making Woodie’s last days more comfortable: Dr. Chawki Gerges & staff, Dr. Helen Liu, Kaweah Delta Hospice and family members. All awesome in their caring attention and support.

Woodie was an unusual and extremely talented man with a wry and quick sense of humor. He will be sorely missed but his faith and belief in God will be a great comfort to those surviving him.

Visatation will be at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 Goshen Avenue, Visalia, Ca on Tuesday,May 26, 2015 between 10:00 A.M. and 12:30 P.M. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Visalia Cemetery.

Donations to the Sacramento Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, Kaweah Delta Hospice, the Parkinson’s Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice, would be greatly appreciated.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.